Hudson, Dracut Women Face Jan. 6 Capitol Riot Charges

BOSTON, MA — Two more women from New England have been charged in connection with the riot at the nation’s Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, according to the FBI Boston Field Office.

Kirstyn Niemela, 33, of Hudson, New Hampshire, faces four charges including 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. Also charged was Stefanie Nicole Chiguer, 36, of Dracut, Massachusetts, who faces four counts including disorderly conduct in a Capitol building and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

According to investigators, tips about Niemela were submitted the day after the protest, accusing her of posting videos and comments on Facebook. Other tips were submitted in June 2021 from a woman who was described as a former friend. Other tipsters also accused Niemela’s girlfriend, Chiguer, of accompanying her to the siege of the building.

Investigators obtained Verizon and Google search warrants before filing charges against Chiguer and Niemela, according to reports.

Niemela is the third Granite Stater to be charged. Both Jason Riddle of Keene and Thomas Gallagher of Bridgewater pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges in 2021.

Eight Massachusetts residents have been charged in connection with the siege.

During the last year, nearly 730 people have been arrested, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Around 165 have entered pleas and more than 70 have been sentenced.

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

WMUR-TV posted a video of some of the photos of the women inside the capital.

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