Philip Edward Kramer

Case Summary

Federal law enforcement was first notified about Philip Kramer after an anonymous tip. An FBI special agent followed up and interviewed Kramer, during which Kramer allegedly acknowledged being inside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. 2021. He claimed to have been pushed through the door by the crowd. In this conversation, Kramer said he carried a snowboard helmet and a walking cane for the purposes of defending himself. According to the criminal complaint, Kramer added in subsequent conversations that he carried a Master Lock and climbing rope "in case someone was coming at my throat or something." He also allegedly admitted that he took a "do not enter" sign from the Capitol and brought it back to California. He said he disposed of it shortly after. This became the basis for a charge of theft of government property. Kramer seemed eager to cooperate with law enforcement, telling one FBI special agent, "I would like to explain as an average hard-working middle-class American that loves his country... the events that lead [sic] up to me attending in Washington DC January 6th."

Case History

Kramer pleaded Guilty to one charge: Parading, Demonstrating, or Picketing in a Capitol Building. The other charges are dismissed. Sentenced on 5/12/2022 to 30 days incarceration; $2,500 fine; $500 restitution; $10 special assessment; 100 hours community service. Kramer 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.