It is the most severe punishment given so far in the court settlements after the congressional storm on January 6, according to the news agency AP.
The verdict against 54-year-old Robert Scott Palmer fell in a court in Florida on Friday. He cried when he received the verdict and said he was ashamed of what he did.
More than 700 people have been charged in the wake of the events on Capitol Hill in Washington. So far, 65 people have been convicted.
The storming of Congress shook not only the United States, but an entire world. Five people lost their lives and many were injured. The congress building itself suffered material damage of about $ 1.5 million.
Discarded items
Palmer was seen in videos and photos, wearing a jacket that looks like the United States flag, decorated with sewn-on Donald Trump-friendly patches, and he was wearing a hat that said “Florida for Trump.” He threw a fire extinguisher and other objects at police outside Congress.
He tried to get in, but was eventually put back when the police used pepper spray.
He then continued to throw objects at police officers, until he was hit by a rubber bullet.
Blamed on childhood and Trump
Federal Judge Tanya Chutkan rejected Palmer’s argument that he had to be treated mildly because of a difficult childhood. Chutkan also rejected a handwritten apology stating that Trump tricked him and others into attacking Congress.
Trump is “tyrannical” and “desperate to hold on to power”, it was also stated in the handwritten apology from Palmer.
Palmer pleaded guilty on October 4. Even after that, he continued to defend his actions, the prosecution pointed out in the trial, and pointed out that he called the police attackers on a website he had set up to collect money.
– Political goals
– Palmer purposefully joined a large group that had one specific goal of interfering in the country’s election process, the prosecution stated in court.
“Palmer’s violence was part of his political goal of overthrowing a democratic election and a peaceful transfer of power,” he said.
Most of the more than 700 who have been indicted so far in connection with the storming of Congress are charged with minor offenses, such as entering Congress illegally.
Dozens of people have been charged with assault and use of deadly weapons, as well as conspiracy, which could lead to long sentences if convicted.
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