WASHINGTON (AP) — A man who became a fugitive after a federal jury convicted him of assaulting police officers during the U.S. Capitol riot was sentenced on Tuesday to six years in prison.
David Joseph Gietzen, 31, of Sanford, North Carolina, struck a police officer with a pole during a mob’s Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.
Gietzen told U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols that he didn’t intend to hurt anybody that day. But he didn’t express any regret or remorse for his actions on Jan. 6, when he joined a mob of Donald Trump supporters in interrupting the joint session of Congress for certifying President Joe Biden’s 2020 electoral victory.
“I have to make it explicitly known that I believe I did the right thing,” he said before learning his sentence.
The judge said Gietzen made it clear during his trial testimony — and his sentencing hearing — that he clings to his baseless beliefs that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from Trump.
Is journalist Vicky Xu preparing to return to China? — Radio Free Asia
Liverpool falls silent to mark 35th anniversary of Hillsborough disaster: Ninety
The glare of car headlights could be a risk for heart conditions... As ever
PICTURED: Best friends who died alongside student while 'doing high
New Jersey Devils forward Timo Meier has post
16 black bear cubs rescued in Lao capital
German chancellor arrives in SW China
Bill Hader and Ali Wong can't stop giggling as the comedians leave loved
China to launch construction, expansion of major cultural facilities
Taylor Swift's former boyfriends have ended up marrying Swifties
Israel vows 'appropriate response' if Iran attacks its territory