Two Illinois residents face serious charges amid new details on January 6 Capitol breach
CHICAGO – Two men from suburban Chicago are facing serious federal charges related to their alleged roles in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, with federal prosecutors alleging that the pair joined the mob of protestors who entered the Capitol, disrupted police, and engaged in violent demonstrations.
Michael Mollo Jr., 44, of Oak Lawn, and Emil Kozeluh, 41, of Palos Heights, have each been formally charged with multiple offenses, including disorderly conduct within a Capitol building, unlawful entry into restricted areas, and engaging in civil disorder. These charges were detailed in a criminal complaint submitted on Tuesday in Washington, D.C.’s U.S. District Court. The charges come during an election period, adding a layer of public scrutiny.
According to the complaint, Mollo and Kozeluh entered Capitol grounds and ignored clear signs and barriers indicating the restricted nature of the area. Both men allegedly engaged with police officers who were attempting to manage the rioting crowd. Footage from police body cameras, U.S. Capitol security cameras, and other public videos reportedly captured Mollo and Kozeluh as part of the crowd entering the Capitol through the building’s west side entrance.