Capitol rioter sentenced to 33 months for assaulting police with wooden plank.
A man who allegedly struck a police officer with a wooden 2×4 plank during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot was sentenced Friday to two years and nine months in prison, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Jacob Travis Clark, a 34-year-old resident of Colorado Springs, was found guilty of obstructing an official proceeding, a felony offense, and five misdemeanor offenses in relation to his actions at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
Mr. Clark was handed a 33-month prison sentence and 12 months of supervised release. His criminal conduct was captured in his text messages and surveillance videos in the Capitol building, the DOJ stated.
According to court documents, Mr. Clark drove from his home in Colorado to Washington, on Jan. 5, 2021, and attended President Donald Trump’s rally at the Ellipse. He sent a text to his father that read: “It’s a Trump thing I’m here for the riots when they say he isn’t the winner, lol.”
Mr. Clark was among the first to enter the U.S. Capitol building during the riot. He was seen on video surveillance walking down the hallway holding a 2×4 wooden plank before hitting a police officer with it, forcing the officer to retreat in visible pain.
“Clark later joined a crowd of rioters, pointed at police, and threatened them. The mob forced the police to retreat, and Clark proceeded deeper into the building,” the DOJ stated in its press release.
Mr. Clark spent nearly 40 minutes in the Capitol building before leaving. He continued to brag about “his unlawful escapade” through text messages, even sending pictures and saying: “We took the whole thing. They had to evacuate,” the DOJ stated.
Mr. Clark later wrote of his actions on Jan. 6 to a friend, stating, “We do it every day they try to vote.” He was eventually arrested by the FBI on Apr. 21, 2021, in Colorado Springs.
Oregon Man Sentenced to Over 3 Years in Prison
In a separate case, a 43-year-old man from Oregon was sentenced to 41 months in prison and 36 months of supervised release for assaulting law enforcement and climbing on presidential statues.
Richard L. Harris was convicted of five felonies and six misdemeanor offenses.
According to court documents, Mr. Harris climbed on at least five different statues, including a statue of President Gerald R. Ford in which he placed his own blue camouflage “MAGA” hat on the statue’s head.
Mr. Harris was also accused of threatening former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, former Vice President Mike Pence, and a journalist while inside the Capitol building.
More than 1,100 people have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including over 400 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing, according to the DOJ.
What evidence was crucial in Jacob Travis Clark’s conviction for his participation in the disruptive and violent behavior?
Was seen actively participating in the disruptive and violent behavior,” the DOJ said in a statement.
The incident was captured on multiple surveillance videos and widely shared on social media platforms. This evidence, along with the text message sent by Mr. Clark, played a crucial role in his conviction.
The sentencing of Jacob Travis Clark serves as a reminder that those who engage in criminal behavior, especially during acts of violence and insurrection, will face severe consequences. The events of January 6th, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol were a direct attack on our democracy and the rule of law. It is imperative that those responsible are held accountable.
The violence and destruction that occurred that day had a significant impact on the nation and its institutions. The attack on law enforcement officers who were bravely defending the Capitol and the democratic process cannot be tolerated.
By sentencing Mr. Clark to prison, the court sends a strong message that such actions will not be condoned and that those who chose to participate in the riot will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
Furthermore, the sentence highlights the importance of upholding and protecting the sanctity of our democratic institutions. The U.S. Capitol represents the heart of our nation’s democracy, and any attempt to undermine or disrupt its functioning must be met with firm and decisive action.
While the sentencing of Mr. Clark brings some measure of justice, it also serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to heal the divisions in our society. The events of January 6th were a stark example of the deep polarization that exists in our country, and addressing this divide requires open dialogue, understanding, and a commitment to unity.
As we move forward, it is essential that we learn from the events of January 6th and take concrete steps to strengthen our democracy. This includes addressing the root causes of the discontent and frustration that led to the riot, promoting civility and respect in our political discourse, and ensuring that our institutions are resilient and capable of withstanding such attacks.
The sentencing of Jacob Travis Clark is a step towards justice and accountability, but it is only one part of a larger process. It is up to all of us, as citizens, to uphold the principles of democracy and work towards a more inclusive and united society.
Together, we can strive for a future where acts of violence and insurrection are not tolerated, where respect and understanding prevail, and where our democratic institutions stand strong.
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