Village of Norridge officials have sought – “for clarification purposes” – to explicitly explain that a former village employee charged with taking part in the breach at the U.S. Capitol nearly four years ago didn’t work for Norridge at that time.
Patrick Gorski, 27, of Chicago, is facing federal charges of felony obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder, and misdemeanor entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol Building and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol Building, according to federal court documents.
FBI agents arrested Gorski in Chicago on Nov. 21, and he appeared in federal court on the charges, according to an FBI news release announcing the charges.
“According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, Gorski attended the “Stop the Steal” rally at the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., before joining a group marching toward the U.S. Capitol building,” authorities state in the release.
The release goes on to detail Gorski’s alleged actions and movements in relation to what has since been called a riot that Jan. 6 day. Authorities said the mob of people who stormed the Capitol that day did so in an effort to stop the certification of the 2020 election results where Joe Biden defeated Donald Trump – who lost his reelection bid but denied it.
Gorksi did not respond to Pioneer Press calls seeking comment.
In a news release posted on the Norridge village website, officials stated that Gorski – who worked as a building commissioner there – was hired June 19, 2023. His employment ended about a month before his arrest on Oct. 18, 2024.
Village officials were unaware of Gorski’s alleged attendance in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, 2021 and the actions he is said to have done while there, the release explains.
“At no time during any pre-employment interview or background screening was any information or statements pertaining to this matter mentioned or discovered,” the release states.
Norridge Village Administrator Joanna Skupein did not return Pioneer Press calls seeking further information and comment.
FBI officials explained in the department’s release that this case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Assistance has been provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois.
This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Chicago and Washington Field Offices with assistance from the United States Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department – both located in D.C.
“In the … months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,561 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 590 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing,” the FBI release states.
Jesse Wright is a freelancer. Pioneer Press staff contributed.