Owen Shroyer, InfoWars host, gets 60-day jail term for involvement in events leading to Jan. 6.
InfoWars Host Owen Shroyer Sentenced to Jail for Role in Jan. 6 Riot
InfoWars host Owen Shroyer has been sentenced to 60 days in jail for his involvement in the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol. While Shroyer did not enter the Capitol building or engage in any violent acts, prosecutors argued that his online platform played a significant role in “creating” the riot.
Shroyer, known for his daily web show, The War Room With Owen Shroyer, on Alex Jones’ network, used his platform to spread election disinformation and violent rhetoric leading up to the riot. Prosecutors claim that he contributed to the unrest by alleging election fraud during the 2020 presidential election.
Prosecutors Cite Violent Rhetoric
In court filings, prosecutors highlighted instances of what they considered to be violent rhetoric used by Shroyer. These included chants of “1776!” and statements such as, “The Democrats are posing as communists, but we know what they really are: they’re just tyrants, they’re tyrants. And so today, on January 6, we declare death to tyranny! Death to tyrants!” delivered through a megaphone.
Prosecutors argued that Shroyer deserved imprisonment due to his active order to stay away from the Capitol on Jan. 6, his role in stoking the fire of his followers with violent rhetoric and disinformation, and his praise of the rioters on his online show after the events at the Capitol.
Shroyer had previously agreed to stay off Capitol grounds following a 2019 incident where he disrupted a House Judiciary Committee hearing. He defended himself by emphasizing his cooperation with the investigation, including willingly surrendering his electronic devices.
“I was fully transparent and honest. And I’m glad I was to show that I was not part of any larger plan for illegal activity or violence that day,” Shroyer stated. He also denied attempting to incite the crowd, claiming that his intention was to divert attention away from the Capitol.
Attorney Protests Jail Time
In a letter prior to sentencing, Shroyer’s attorney, Norm Pattis, strongly objected to any jail time for his client. He criticized the government’s sentencing memorandum, describing it as an attack on freedom of speech and an attempt to penalize Shroyer for his viewpoints.
Shroyer pleaded guilty to trespassing on restricted grounds, a misdemeanor that carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison. Pattis has stated that he plans to appeal the sentence.
Click here for more from The Washington Examiner.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
