The family of a Jan. 6 defendant said the government informed Matthew Perna it was pursuing additional charges against him.
“He couldn’t take another day,” they said.
According to an obituary from John Flynn Funeral Home and Crematory, Perna died on Feb. 25 of a “broken heart.”
“His community (which he loved), his country and the justice system killed his spirit and his zest for life,” the obituary reads.
Perna attended the Jan. 6 rally to Save America. According to the obituary, he entered the Capitol through a previously opened door and was ushered in by police.
“He didn’t break, touch or steal anything,” the obituary said. “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.”
The obituary said many people were “quietly supportive,” and for that Perna was grateful.
“The constant delays in hearings and postponements dragged out for over a year,” the obituary continues. “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.”
The obituary stated Perna was a Christian who read his Bible every day.
“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,” the obituary said. “His actions last year are not looked down upon, instead his family is grateful and humbled by his courage.”
Perna was supposed to be sentenced on March 3 in a plea agreement on charges of obstruction of an official proceeding, aiding and abetting, entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building.
According to Julie Kelly of American Greatness, he learned prosecutors would seek an even longer jail sentence based on “domestic terrorism deterrence.”
According to reports, charging documents state that Perna entered the Capitol at 2:47 p.m. He remained in the building for 20 minutes, filming with his phone.
Court records do not allege Perna damaged any property or committed any violent or disruptive acts. Prosecutors reportedly wrote that he wore a red Make America Great Again sweatshirt and chanted “USA! USA! USA!” while filming.
Perna approached the FBI on Jan. 14 as soon as he learned his photo was posted on the FBI’s Jan. 6 most-wanted list. According to Perna, the Capitol doors were wide open when he approached the building and a group behind him was pushing forward to enter.
Brandon Straka, who is also a Jan. 6 defendant, said he didn’t know the details of Perna’s case, but understood why he committed suicide.
“I had the same thoughts many times this past year,” said the founder of the WalkAway campaign, an effort encouraging liberals to leave the Democrat Party. “The defeating silence of Republicans and conservative media for people dragged through this hell is unbearable.”
Straka asked if ANY Republican in Congress will say anything about the suicide.
This is why we need a Nuremberg style trial for all these treasonous swamp monsters. And upon returning a guilty verdict, it should be followed by a swift public hanging.