Breaking News: First Capitol Rioter of 2021 Sentenced to Over 4 Years

Latest Developments

The first person to breach the U.S. Capitol Building during the 2021 insurrection has been sentenced to more than 4 years in prison.

Guy Reffitt, a self-described member of the Three Percenters militia, pleaded guilty in September to multiple charges, including obstructing an official proceeding and transporting a firearm during a civil disorder.

Significance and Impact

• This marks the first sentencing in the high-profile Capitol riot cases.
• It sends a strong message that the Justice Department will hold accountable those who participated in the attack on the U.S. government.
• The sentence is likely to set a precedent for future cases.

Details of the Sentence

Reffitt was sentenced to 5 years and 3 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich.

The sentence includes:

• 60 months for obstruction of an official proceeding.
• 18 months for transporting a firearm during a civil disorder, to run consecutively.
• 3 years of supervised release after completing his prison term.

Reffitt's Role in the Riot

Reffitt drove from Texas to Washington, D.C., and joined the mob that stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021.

He was seen on video carrying a semi-automatic rifle, zip-tie handcuffs, and other equipment.

Reffitt admitted his involvement and expressed remorse during his sentencing hearing.

Ongoing Investigations and Prosecutions

The investigation into the Capitol riot is ongoing, with hundreds of people facing charges.

The Justice Department has stated that it is committed to holding accountable all those who participated in the attack on American democracy.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice