Michael Daniele

Case Summary

On Jan. 6, 2021, Michael Daniele was allegedly part of one of the first group of rioters to overcome the barricades at Peace Circle in front of the U.S. Capitol building. Later, social media footage shows him physically remove a metal barrier in front of outnumbered police officers, according to court documents. Daniele is later allegedly seen entering the Capitol through a broken door and walking around the building. Daniele was first identified by a detective from New Jersey State Police, who told the FBI that Daniele was a retired New Jersey state trooper, court documents indicate. The FBI interviewed Daniele at his home, where he admitted to having traveled to Washington, D.C., on a charter bus and entering the Capitol, according to court records. He reportedly told the agents he only entered a large space of the building and after looking for a bathroom and not finding one, left immediately thereafter. According to sentencing memos filed in court, Daniele is a retired New Jersey state trooper.

Case History

Daniele pleaded Not Guilty to all charges. Found Not Guilty on two charges of Civil Disorder in a Bench trial on 6/14/2024. Found Guilty on four charges: Entering and Remaining in a Restricted Building or Grounds; Disorderly and Disruptive Conduct in a Restricted Building or Grounds; Disorderly Conduct in a Capitol Building; Parading, Demonstrating, or Picketing in a Capitol Building. Sentenced on 10/4/2024 to 24 months of probation, first 30 days on home detention; restitution of $500; $2,500 fine; $60 special assessment. Daniele received a full pardon on January 20, 2025

Sources

• Primary Documentation
  NPR Jan. 6 Defendant DatabaseNPR
• Primary Documentation
  Underlying court recordCourt record linked by NPR

Case summary, charges, procedural updates and image are drawn from the NPR Jan. 6 archive snapshot dated 2026-09-25 unless otherwise indicated.