The aunt of a January 6 defendant who took his life spoke out on the two-year anniversary of the protests.
Gina Perna and Cynthia Hughes, both family members of January 6 defendants, spoke to radio host Sebastian Gorka to describe their experiences over the two years since mostly peaceful protesters entered the U.S. Capitol, ushering in a police dragnet that has reportedly consumed the FBI.
Perna is the aunt of Matthew Perna, who turned himself in to the FBI after meandering into the U.S. Capitol through an already-open door. One year later, while isolated and awaiting sentencing, Perna took his own life.
“He walked in an open door with a cellphone,” she told Gorka. “He stayed within the velvet ropes for 10 minutes, recording,” then left the U.S. Capitol. Still, explained Perna, “a week or so after January 6 his photograph was on the FBI website.”
Perna explained that her nephew was forced into a protracted legal battle with the federal government, and every time he was able to wrap his head around the charges and possible time behind bars, the government would add or enhance the charges.
Ultimately, Perna pleaded guilty, but while he was awaiting sentencing, prosecutors sought to add a “terrorism enhancement” to his charges, which would take his sentence from six months to one year to four to six years.
“It was more than he could handle,” Perna explained. “On February 25th, just a few days after that conversation, Matt hung himself in his garage.”
Edited
“The devastation that our family has gone through, I can’t even describe it. We just spent the holiday season dreading it,” said Perna. “I couldn’t wait to rip those Christmas decorations down this year, I didn’t want to look at them another day. And this is going to go with us for the rest of our lives.”
Hughes is the aunt of Tim Hale, who was in police custody for more than 15 months before he was convicted. He was charged with obstruction, and received four years for meandering into the U.S. Capitol.
Motivated by her nephew’s circumstances, Hughes launched the Patriot Freedom Project to raise awareness for other defendants.
Asked about the future though, Hughes was less than optimistic.
She told Gorka, “I don’t see any end in sight. I think we will be living in this nightmare until the next presidential election.”
Both women spoke to Valiant News last year ahead of Mother’s Day, describing their experiences missing family for major holidays.
If you or a loved one are experiencing thoughts of self harm, please seek help by calling the National Suicide Lifeline at 988 in the United States or by calling the Samaritans at 116 123 in the United Kingdom.
