Father-son duo from Steuben County face charges related to Jan. 6 Capitol riot

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — New court documents revealed more about the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol back in 2021, which left officers bloodied and sent lawmakers into hiding. More than 1,000 people have been arrested in connection to the riot. Just last week, two Steuben County men, a father-son duo, were also arrested.

The two join a growing list of local individuals facing criminal action for their alleged roles in the riot.

Video footage of the historic incident captured the suspects numerous times on Jan. 6, both inside and outside the U.S. Capitol building, according to the court documents.

Federal officials claim Charles Schimmel Sr. and his youngest son, Logan Schimmel were among the hundreds of rioters that day. They hail from Prattsburgh, New York in Steuben County.

Right before heading to the Capitol, the two were caught on camera at an event called, “Stop the Steal rally on the National Ellipse,” according to the court documents. During an interview with the FBI in March 2022, Charles Schimmel said he drove to Washington D.C. by himself the day before the riot, adding that he attended the rally alone. He never said he was physically with his son, Logan. Video footage and pictures from that day told a different story though, according to investigators.

Pictures taken at the “Stop the Steal rally on the National Ellipse” prior to the riot at the Capitol. Investigators said the people highlighted with arrows were the Stueben County men, which court documents reference as “THE SCHIMMELS.” Charles Schimmel is allegedly pictured wearing a brown jacket and a black hood with a “Trump 2020” hat on and sunglasses. His son, Logan was said to be wearing a bright red beanie with the word “TRUMP” on it, a black over-coat and regular glasses. (Photos provided).

In the 2022 interview with the FBI, Charles told investigators he listened to a speech from former President Donald Trump at the rally before making his way to the Capitol. He, again, made no mention of his son, Logan.

As explained in the court documents, both men made their way to the Capitol together, walking with a large crowd. They then entered an area blocked off at the Capitol, before fighting with, and shoving police officers. Charles Sr. is allegedly seen waving a black and blue-styled American flag with the word “TRUMP” on it.

Photos allegedly show the men at the entrance of the U.S. Capitol, moving to the front of the crowd where a police line was established. The two are accused of pushing past the officers to make room for the crowd. (Photo provided).

Investigators said the Schimmels were among some of the first people to enter the Capitol building on Jan. 6. Rioters were able to get in after kicking down and smashing a door and surrounding windows. This happened around the senate wing. Investigators note that this was the first official breach of the Capitol that day.

According to the court documents, the Schimmels appeared to have had somewhat of a leadership role in the very beginning, allegedly directing and gesturing to the crowd once inside where to go.

The Schimmels spent over an hour inside, according to investigators – the two rounded the halls, entered and looked into multiple rooms. On the way out, the two appeared to have spoken with multiple different officers.

Body camera footage of the incident from a Montgomery County Police Officer allegedly showed the Schimmels attempting to exit from the NW stairs near the front of an established police line. The two were accused of adding some resistance to the line, ignoring repeated commands to back up. The police then resorted to using tear gas and shields to move the crowd back, including the Schimmels, investigators said.

While the duo was among the first to enter the building, they ended up being among the last to leave this area, according to the court documents. After spending an hour inside, they then spent about another two hours on the grounds outside.

The duo is allegedly pictured resisting against police before officers began using tear gas and their shields to push back. (Photo provided).

The men face a number of charges, including a felony offense of obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder as well as several misdemeanor offenses.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.