Crime

US Capitol Rioter Receives 12-Year Sentence

JUN 22 2023·Updated FEB 8 2024

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Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Facts

On Wednesday, Daniel “DJ” Rodriguez, who used a stun gun against police officer Michael Fanone during the Jan. 6 US Capitol riots, was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in prison. Just two other Jan. 6 defendants have received longer prison terms
guardian
Rodriguez pleaded guilty to four counts, including conspiracy, and assaulting a police officer with a dangerous weapon in February. After he was sentenced, Rodriguez exited the courtroom and defiantly shouted “Trump won!”
Axios
US District Judge Amy Berman Jackson called Rodriguez a "one-man army of hate” when she sentenced him.
Daily Mail
Fanone addressed the judge before Rodriguez was sentenced, detailing how the Capitol riot prematurely ended his law-enforcement career, and turned him into a target of former Pres. Trump’s supporters.
The Associated Press
According to prosecutors, Rodriguez engaged Capitol police in an entrance tunnel, using a wooden pole and a fire extinguisher to push back police before he acquired a stun gun from another rioter and used it against Fanone, shocking him twice in the neck.
Daily Caller
In 29 months since the riot, more than 1k people have been arrested for crimes related to the breach of the Capitol, with nearly 350 people charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. Many investigations are ongoing.
NPR

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The Spin

Democratic narrative

Trump’s foot soldiers conducted a horrific attack on the Capitol, and Rodriguez caused grievous injury to Fanone. Rodriguez is a violent person who deserves the sentence handed down to him. He and his co-conspirators must pay for their crimes.

CNN

Pro-Trump narrative

Prosecutors are using lies about Jan. 6 to punish dissenters. Meanwhile, as the feds and their media allies find a cornucopia of issues to wrongfully blame on the protesters, including Rodriguez, they continue to ignore true crimes from that day, like the death of Ashli Babbitt – an unarmed Trump supporter shot by police.