Individual who assaulted law enforcement at the US Capitol with poles sentenced to 20 years, among the lengthiest Jan. 6 punishments

A man from California, David Nicholas Dempsey, received a 20-year prison sentence following his involvement in the January 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol. Dempsey, known for his history of political violence, was described by prosecutors as one of the most violent participants in the mob of supporters of former President Donald Trump who stormed the Capitol while lawmakers were certifying President Joe Biden’s election victory. Throughout the riot, Dempsey attacked police officers using flagpoles and other makeshift weapons, causing harm to multiple officers. He stomped on officers’ heads, swung poles, used a metal crutch to strike an officer, and even utilized pepper spray and broken furniture against law enforcement personnel. Prosecutors highlighted an incident where Dempsey climbed on top of other rioters to reach officers guarding a tunnel entrance, using them as “human scaffolding.” His actions resulted in injuries to at least two police officers. In January, Dempsey pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting police officers with a dangerous weapon.
Enrique Tarrio, a former leader of the Proud Boys, received a longer sentence than Dempsey for his involvement in the January 6 attack. Tarrio was sentenced to 22 years for his role in organizing a plot to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power from Trump to Biden following the 2020 presidential election.