Federal Authorities Say Kernersville Man Helped Organize Capitol Insurrection

Federal prosecutors believe a Kernersville man played a primary role in organizing the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. 

Thirty-three-year-old Charles Donohoe was arrested in March, charged with conspiracy for his role in the insurrection.

Authorities allege that Donohoe is a local leader of the Proud Boys, a far-right group.

According to The Winston-Salem Journal, new details were revealed in federal court this week regarding how Donohoe conspired with other Proud Boys to plan and organize the attack.

Prosecutors say that in late December of 2020, Donohoe became involved in a new Proud Boys chapter that included an “upper tier leadership” of six people. They believe the group communicated via the Telegram messaging app, relaying updated plans and instructions for the uprising.

Donohoe is also accused of carrying a riot shield on January 6th that had been stolen from a Capitol police officer and leading a charge up the steps of the Capitol.

An attorney representing Donohoe said in an appeal prosecutors have not presented evidence he actually took part in planning the attack, or that he entered the capitol, assaulted officers, or destroyed any property.

A date has not been set for a hearing on Donohoe's appeal, and he remains in federal custody.