- The family of a Capitol rioter said he "died of a broken heart" in his obituary.
- "His community… his country, and the justice system killed his spirit," they said in an obituary.
- Matthew Perna was at the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot and later turned himself in to the FBI.
The family of a Capitol rioter said that he died "of a broken heart" last week and blamed the justice system for ending "his zest for life."
Matthew Perna, a 37-year-old from Sharpsville, Pennsylvania, died on February 25, according to an obituary written by his family.
The obituary did not include an official cause of death for Perna, but his family wrote that "his community (which he loved), his country, and the justice system killed his spirit and his zest for life."
Perna was in attendance at the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot in Washington DC, his family said in the obituary.
According to his family, he was there to "peacefully stand up for his country."
"He entered the Capitol through a previously opened door (he did not break in as was reported)," his family wrote in the obituary. "He didn't break, touch, or steal anything. He did not harm anyone, as he stayed within the velvet ropes taking pictures."
According to a statement of facts from the FBI, Perna told investigators that he "walked right into" the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Video of the riot obtained by Daily Motion and cited in the FBI's statement of facts shows Perna wearing a "Make America Great Again" hoodie and holding up a cellphone inside the Capitol, appearing to take photos or videos of the scene.
"Perna claimed that he was inside the Capitol building for only five to ten minutes," the FBI's statement of facts said. "In a later interview, Perna admitted that at one point he become frustrated, and, using a metal pole, tapped on a window of the Capitol building. "
The FBI's statement of facts said that investigators later found Facebook posts on Perna's account showing support for former President Donald Trump and QAnon.
According to the Justice Department's website, Perna was charged with obstruction of an official proceeding and 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.
He pleaded guilty to all counts in December 2021, the Justice Department said. He had not yet been sentenced.
Perna's family said he was "persecuted by many members of his community, friends, relatives, and people who had never met him" because of his participation in the riot.
"Many people were quietly supportive, and Matt was truly grateful for them," his family said. "The constant delays in hearings, and postponements dragged out for over a year. Because of this, Matt's heart broke and his spirit died."
"Matt did not have a hateful bone in his body," his family added. "He embraced people of all races, income brackets, and beliefs, never once berating anyone for having different views."