Amateur Louis Cardinals mascot The subject of conspiracy theories over the Jan. 6 riot, he pleaded guilty on Friday to charges stemming from his actions. Attack on the Capitol in 2021.
Formerly Daniel Donnelly Jr. Rally Runner, known as admitted his guilt to one count of civil disorder, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and up to three years of supervised release.
His sentencing is scheduled for July 30.
In a statement Friday, Runner’s attorney Scott Rosenblum said his client “wants to accept responsibility and move on to the next chapter of his life.”
Runner was previously accused on national television of working on behalf of the government to instigate some of the actions on Jan. 6. A lawyer representing several defendants in the Capitol riots falsely claimed on Tucker Carlson’s former Fox News show in 2021 that Runner “is clearly a law enforcement officer” and an “agent provocateur” who dressed up as a Trump fan to smear the former president’s supporters.
Runner was arrested in August in St. Louis, Missouri five federal chargesincluding obstructing, obstructing and interfering with law enforcement officers during a civil disturbance. Prosecutors agreed to request that the additional counts in the indictment be dismissed as part of his plea agreement at sentencing, according to court documents.
The Runner — the famous St. Louis Cardinals fan who runs around the baseball stadium to energize fans during home games — wore red face paint and a red “Keep America Great” hat and red jacket during the Capitol riots. Prosecutors said he was among a group of rioters who tried to enter the Capitol through the Lower West Terrace door. Runner helped them across the ladder to the tunnel opening and, after a 10-minute struggle, used a riot shield to shove and push back officers who were able to resist the advance of Runner and other rioters, according to court documents.
“I’m getting the rebellion shield. and I’m not trying to cause any violence, but I’m trying to be the furthest person to go all the way, or at least go the farthest,” Runner said, according to a transcript included in court documents on the 26th. He posted on Facebook detailing his actions on Jan. 6. minute video posted on .
About 500 suspects in the three years since the attack those convicted from a few days to prison terms 22 years in federal prison.