In a notable development following the January 6 Capitol attack, Michael Sparks, the first rioter to breach the US Capitol, has been sentenced to 53 months in federal prison, Axios reports.
Sparks, a Kentucky resident, had vocally opposed the 2020 presidential election results and engaged in online rhetoric advocating for violence in the months leading up to the insurrection.
He was convicted by a jury in March of all six charges, including felony obstruction of an official proceeding, civil disorder, and multiple misdemeanors. According to prosecution, his aggressive actions during the Capitol riot included entering the building through a window despite being pepper sprayed and warned to desist, as well as participating in a mob that chased Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman up the stairs. Witnesses noted Sparks shouting, “This is our America!” as he confronted law enforcement.
As part of the sentencing proceedings, prosecutors decided to drop the obstruction charge against Sparks. This move aligns with a recent Supreme Court ruling requiring evidence that a defendant has interfered with official documents to prove obstruction, complicating the prosecution’s approach in over 300 Jan. 6 related cases, including those involving former President Donald Trump. Nonetheless, US District Judge Timothy Kelly, appointed by Trump, indicated that he would still consider Sparks’ intent to obstruct the counting of votes during the riot.
Before his sentence was handed down, Sparks maintained his belief that the 2020 presidential election was “completely taken from the American public.” Prosecutors said that Sparks became increasingly agitated following Trump’s electoral defeat, even expressing a desire for “a civil war” just days before the insurrection.
