New York candidate running to replace Santos convicted over Jan. 6
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The scene at the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021. Photo: Evelyn Hockstein/For The Washington Post via Getty Images
A New York man hoping to replace expelled former Rep. George Santos has been convicted over the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, the Department of Justice announced Wednesday.
The big picture: Philip Sean Grillo, 49, of Queens, was found guilty Tuesday after testifying that he had "no idea" Congress met inside the Capitol building despite admitting that he's running for election to the U.S. House to represent New York's 3rd Congressional District, per a DOJ statement.
Driving the news: Former Queens Republican district leader Grillo was accused of being part of a mob that breached the Capitol via a broken window while carrying a megaphone, according to a court filing.
- Prosecutors said he pushed past three Capitol Police officers guarding the Rotunda's exterior entryway doors, allowing more rioters into the building.
- They alleged Grillo recorded himself on his cell phone saying: "We f**king did it, baby! ... We stormed the Capitol. We shut it down!"
By the numbers: In the 35 months since the insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,230 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the Capitol breach.
What's next: Grillo, who was convicted of five charges, including felony obstruction of an official proceeding, will be sentenced at a later date.
Go deeper: Special election to replace Santos set for February
