USA: Eight months imprisonment for Capitol attackers

Status: 07/19/2021 9:40 p.m.

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They broke into the Capitol, broke into offices, and five people died: around six months after the storm on the US Capitol, one of the perpetrators was sentenced to imprisonment. The sentence could influence other processes.

Around seven months after supporters of then US President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol in Washington, a man was sentenced to eight months in prison in Florida.

The 38-year-old from Florida had admitted that he had broken into the Capitol and obstructed the work of Congress, reported the Washington Post newspaper, among others. Accordingly, this is the first case of a serious crime in connection with the storming. According to observers, the decision could influence the conviction of other rioters, such as the sentence.

Prepared for violence

“The symbolism of this act was unmistakable,” the newspaper quoted the judge at the federal district court, Randolph D. Moss. The perpetrator played a role in one of the worst episodes in US history. That was not a protest, said Moss, but an attack on democracy. “It left a stain,” said the judge.

The prosecutor had asked for an 18-month prison sentence for the man. It was particularly serious that the 38-year-old had penetrated very far into the Capitol with equipment such as protective goggles in order to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power. He was prepared for violence, which distinguishes him from others who let themselves be carried away. The judge took credit for the man that he had confessed early and declared that he repented his act.

Supporters of Trump stormed the seat of the US Congress in Washington on January 6th. Five people were killed, including a police officer. Trump had to face impeachment proceedings for the attack because he had previously incited his supporters in a speech. At the end of the trial, however, the Republican was acquitted.