WASHINGTON — Donald Trump says the rioters who assaulted police officers in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot are “warriors.” That’s not just wrong; it’s dangerous.
On Jan. 6, 2021, more than 2,000 supporters of then-President Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol, hoping to stop the certification of President Joe Biden’s election. Many came armed with pistols, knives, baseball bats, metal pipes, stun guns, or bear spray, and used them to attack police. Some 140 officers were assaulted.
In the ensuing three years, prosecutors have charged more than 1,400 of the rioters. More than 100 have been charged with causing serious injury to an officer or using a dangerous weapon. Several dozen are in jail awaiting trial.
Daniel Rodriguez of Fontana, California, pleaded guilty to stunning a police officer in the neck with a taser. A federal judge sentenced him to 12 years in prison.
Peter Schwartz of Owensboro, Kentucky, attacked police officers with pepper spray and a folding chair. He got 14 years, largely because he had 38 prior criminal convictions.