WASHINGTON (AP) — A Kentucky man who stormed the U.S. Capitol while carrying a Confederate battle flag was sentenced on Monday to more than two years in prison for pepper spraying two police officers in the face, partially blinding them for hours during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot.
Isreal Easterday was 19 years old when he joined a mob of Donald Trump supporters in invading the Capitol. He used pepper spray to assault two Capitol police officers who were separately guarding the East Rotunda Doors.
Chief Judge James Boasberg cited Easterday’s youth as a reason for handing down a prison term — two years and six months — that was over five times lower than the Justice Department’s initial sentencing recommendation.
The judge said Easterday, who was homeschooled by his mother while living on a family farm, “may not have fully appreciated what was going on there” at the Capitol on Jan. 6 or recognized that the Confederate flag is a “symbol of rebellion.”
Biden will send Ukraine air defense weapons, artillery once Senate approves, Zelenskyy says
Labour concedes it could have done more to deal with disruptive state housing tenants
Copa 71 review: An enlightening documentary about REAL girl power, writes BRIAN VINER
Queen Camilla praises Kate Middleton
UK prosecutors charge 2 men with spying for China, including a parliamentary researcher
I endured aggressive chemo and said goodbye to my family after being given just 15 months to live
Queen Camilla, Princess Anne and Sarah Ferguson all don traditional spring shade
Lawsuit alleges negligence in hiring of maintenance man accused of torturing resident
Princess Charlene of Monaco debuts soft new look with feathery, face
Top procuratorate reports legal oversight work in 2023
Princess Charlene of Monaco debuts soft new look with feathery, face