Jan. 6 defendant reportedly commits suicide
By: Madeleine Hubbard (Just The News)
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
January 6 defendant Matthew Perna has reportedly taken his own life after his family said he was "bullied to death" by the Department of Justice despite having not committed a violent crime.
American Greatness senior writer Julie Kelly tweeted Sunday morning that she heard reports that a Jan. 6 defendant had committed suicide.
"If confirmed, this defendant committed no violent crime and walked through an open door with Capitol police present," Kelly wrote. "Biden's DOJ has tried to destroy so many lives over the past year--they may have another victim."
Kelly called the Jan. 6 prosecutors "sadistic" and said, "At least one other Jan 6 defendant has committed suicide."
Later in the day, Kelly tweeted that the story was true.
"I cannot express the rage I feel after speaking with his family. More on this tomorrow," she said.
According to his obituary on Flynn Funeral Home's website, Perna died on Feb. 25, 2022, "of a broken heart… the justice system killed his spirit and his zest for life."
The obituary explains that Perna attended the Jan. 6 rally and entered the Capitol through an open door where police ushered him in. He stayed within velvet ropes in the Capitol building and took pictures there without hurting anyone or breaking anything, according to the obituary. He reportedly turned himself in as soon as he knew the FBI was looking for him.
"The constant delays in hearings, and postponements dragged out for over a year," the obituary states. "Because of this, Matt's heart broke and his spirit died, and many people are responsible for the pain he endured."
Perna was described in the obituary as a "Christian who read his Bible daily" and "did not have a hateful bone in his body."
Perna was arrested in Sharpsville, Penn., on Jan. 19, 2021, and indicted more than a month later.
He pleaded guilty in December to Jan. 6-related charges including obstructing an official proceeding, disorderly and disruptive conduct and entering and remaining in a restricted area according to the Department of Justice.
In the DOJ's Statement of Facts, Perna claimed to only be inside the Capitol for five to ten minutes after being "pushed into the building by a crowd" and that it was "not his intention to enter the Capitol."
His sentencing was scheduled for March 3, 2022. Perna faced up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, as well as other penalties for misdemeanors, WKBN reports.
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"Matthew Lawrence Perna died on February 25, 2022 of a broken heart. His community (which he loved), his country, and the justice system killed his spirit and his zest for life. Matt was an amazing man! In his 37 years, he experienced more than most people do their entire lives. He graduated from Sharpsville High School in 2002, then went on to graduate from Penn State University.
Matt loved to travel and lived in Thailand and South Korea during his life, teaching English to school children. He traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, South America, India, and the United States of America making lasting friendships everywhere he went. He went on a mission trip to Haiti, and also took many trips with his parents and brother Steve. Matt enjoyed conversing with all walks of life, especially the elderly. It was not unusual for him to strike up conversations with complete strangers, always eager to learn from others.
Matt enjoyed running long distance races, and held medals from several states. He enjoyed reading every day, and owned an extensive library of books. He loved music of all types, and played piano and saxophone. He was an adventurer who loved trying different cuisines from all over the world, and experiencing as many different cultures as he could.
Matt loved animals, especially dogs. But when a sickly kitten made her way onto Matt’s porch, he nurtured and cared for her and named her Hinoki. He loved her dearly and she was his roommate.
He attended the rally on January 6, 2021 to peacefully stand up for his beliefs. After learning that the FBI was looking for him, he immediately turned himself in. He entered the Capitol through a previously opened door (he did not break in as was reported) where he was ushered in by police. He didn’t break, touch, or steal anything. He did not harm anyone, as he stayed within the velvet ropes taking pictures. For this act he has been persecuted by many members of his community, friends, relatives, and people who had never met him. Many people were quietly supportive, and Matt was truly grateful for them. The constant delays in hearings, and postponements dragged out for over a year. Because of this, Matt’s heart broke and his spirit died, and many people are responsible for the pain he endured. Matt did not have a hateful bone in his body. He embraced people of all races, income brackets, and beliefs, never once berating anyone for having different views.
Matt is survived by his loving Father, Lawrence (Sharpsville), his brother Steven (Nederland, CO), his Grandmother Rosie Garzoni (Hermitage), and several Aunts, Uncles and cousins who will never stop missing him. He was preceded in death by his amazing Mother Roni, his Grandparents Henry and Millie Perna, as well as his Grandfather Frank J. Garzoni. Matt had a very special relationship with Frank J who he greatly admired and missed very much.
Matt attended Central Community Church in Transfer, PA. He was a Christian who read his Bible daily.
Matt’s family stood by him during this devastating ordeal, and are extremely proud of his passion for life and his pursuit of many dreams. His actions last year are not looked down upon, instead his family is grateful and humbled by his courage. They say God never gives anyone more than they can handle. That statement is not Biblical, nor is it true. Rest Easy Matt, you are finally FREE!
What a shame he went and committed suicide. I'm all broken up about it.
You forgot to put the S on the end.
Fucked around and found out. It's not like the court is handing out heavy time.
20 years isn't heavy time???
If ya can't do the time. don't do the crime.
Its amazing how many lawbreakers think they can break the law-- yet never have to face the consequences of their stupidity.
Didn't read the fucking article did you?
Dumbass comment about our wonderful new fucked up two tier justice system Democrats seem to be so damn proud of. This guy wasn't a BLM or Antifa rioter that actually assaulted a federal officer; or destroyed private and federal property, so they threw the fucking book at him.
Why so hostile?
You act as though any one who looted or committed any crimes during the BLM protests, weren't locked up and given due process.
Justice didn't kill him. He killed himself out of shame.
Another hollow victory for the left.
Another strawman martyr for the right.
For the Reactionary Right!
Are you one of them?
Observing the pleasure they seem to derive from such things tells the real story here.
I hate to keep quoting Gen Custer on the morning of June 25, 1876, but that depends on one's point of view!
It's funny how you and I can see it, it being so obvious, but I'll bet there are those who will say to me, "Gee Vic, let's give them the benefit of the doubt"
It’s an interesting duality to say the least.
Bag on people like Rittenhouse, look the other way on the thousands who murdered, rioted, looted and destroyed private/public property during the summer of love.
Quite amazing really .....
About a dozen people died in those riots. They had local governments on their side. We can never forget that.
Unfortunately there are many MAGA-cultists who feel that-- no matter they've done-- the Jan 6 lawbreakers should be "given the benefit of the doubt'.
(Or that they shouldn't be held responsible for their actions because "Trump told them to do it")
Rally????
Just like the summer of 2020 rally.
(The summer of love)
As for the "Summer of Love" BLM protests that turned to riots and looting I don't think that was a "rally" either, nor do I think the destructive Hong Kong riots and destruction a "rally" and since I support whatever it takes to contain the pandemic I don't support the "Freedom" Convoy either. Of course I am amused by the hypocrisy when anyone thinks there is any difference in all between those "rallies"..i.e. supporting one and despising another. To me they are all the same. BLM doesn't have my support, unless they reverse their stand on Israel. I have nothing against an ACTUALLY peaceful protest that does not deliberately inconvenience or harm property or the general public.
I hear you on that. It wasn't until 2021 that we saw a crackdown against protestors, here and in Canada.
Protests used to be a special right and something to be admired according to the media.
Ask yourself what's changed?
They stopped being peaceful. When MLK made his "I have a dream" speech, was there rioting? Or was it peaceful? These days people are "rallying" to protest the war in Ukraine? Are the police spraying them with water cannons?
There was a rally that day. Or did you forget how the whole thing started?
I think it's called willful ignorance. If it's a rally then the whole narrative loses credibility (like this had any in the first place). Especially if it's a rally at another location.
The only thing missing from this story is facts about what he did when he was in the capitol. I don't think he was threatened with 20 years in prison for staying within the velvet ropes.
That's what we gots you for John, if you can actually supply any /s
Prove he didn't John. Go ahead. We await your vast knowledge and experience of all things.
If only our justice system would deal with BLM and Antifa rioters the same way that did far more damage to people, and private and federal property. Instead we get the two tiered justice system of catch and release for radical left wing Brown Shirts.
I wonder why god didn’t just tell him this was a bad idea. They seem really close.
So you wonder about God telling someone something, but don't believe in God.
Seems strange.
What’s strange is your attraction to flames.
Better than pretending something (God) exists only when it suits your own purposes.
I never once thought what the Easter Bunny had to say was important, because I don't believe in the Easter Bunny and know it can't talk. I am not dumb enough to attribute ANYTHING to an imaginary thing.
You on the other hand, muse about what to you is an imaginary being and what He would say.
That is weird.
Deflecting away from your silly post again?
So trite.