Patrick Gorski, an Illinois-based freelance photographer, was arrested for his active role in the January 6 Capitol riot.
The Associated Press reported that on Thursday in Chicago, Patrick Gorski found himself facing serious allegations by federal authorities, charged with obstructing law enforcement during a civil disorder. This arrest stems from Gorski's actions during the infamous attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
The following day, details about the charges were revealed as court documents were unsealed, showing the extent of Gorski's involvement.
He attended the "Stop the Steal" rally, then marched to the Capitol with a crowd, some of whom held extremist views.
Diving deeper into January 6, Gorski was reported to have climbed scaffolding outside the Capitol, breached police barricades, and aggressively interacted with law enforcement officers. Videos and photographs confirmed that he pushed against a police officer's riot shield and contributed to the chaos by yelling at officers.
Gorski's presence at the Capitol was not as a bystander; he escalated his involvement by helping rioters maneuver a bike rack and later draped a flag over a balcony.
Inside the Capitol, he continued documenting the event, not as a member of the press, but as a participant, taking photos and videos of the turmoil.
In a revealing interaction with the FBI, Gorski disclosed that he did not attend the riot as a professional journalist and had left behind his professional camera equipment, choosing instead to capture the event through other means. His participation and documentation of the riot culminated when police expelled him using chemical irritants.
Patrick Gorski has a notable history of involvement in public services and photography. He has worked as the building commissioner for the Village of Norridge, Illinois, and holds a master’s degree in public administration from Southeastern Illinois University, obtained earlier that same year.
His photography career includes assignments for the Chicago Fire Department and Donald Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign.
Although he has distributed his sports photography through major outlets, he has stayed away from politically charged publishing for the last five years, as per FBI records.
Gorski’s photographs were distributed by the Associated Press among other organizations, though he is not currently employed by them. Lauren Easton, AP’s vice president of corporate communications, clarified his contractual status, noting, “We have distributed some photos he took for AP’s photo partners and member news organizations.”
His initial court appearance led to him being released on bond. However, the full implications of his charges are yet to be determined as legal procedures continue.
The tip-off about Gorski's involvement came about a year after the riot when someone reported his posts of the riot in a private group chat to FBI agents, leading to further scrutiny and his eventual arrest.
This case adds another layer to the ongoing discussions about the responsibilities and roles individuals took during the troubling events of January 6, highlighting that even local officials and seemingly neutral professionals can play active roles in national crises.
His actions that day have led to a cascade of consequences affecting his career and personal life. As more details emerge, the case may shed further light on the diverse profiles of the riot participants.