Four individuals who were among the first individuals to attack police officers and breach a security perimeter during the U.S. Capitol riot received prison sentences on Thursday. The sentences ranged from one year of weekend confinement to eight years behind bars. Before issuing the sentences, U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb expressed concern over the spread of misinformation about the riot and attempts to minimize the violence that left over 100 police officers injured. Cobb highlighted the ongoing threats against public officials and former President Donald Trump, expressing worries about the potential impact after future elections.
Stephen Randolph, a certified nursing assistant, was sentenced to eight years in prison, while James Grant, a University of Alabama’s School of Law acceptee, received a three-year sentence. Jason Blythe, a delivery driver, was sentenced to two and a half years, and Paul Johnson, a tree removal business owner, was sentenced to one year of weekend confinement followed by two years of home confinement. The men were convicted of felony offenses related to their roles in the January 6, 2021, siege of the Capitol. A fifth co-defendant, Ryan Samsel, is awaiting sentencing.
The five individuals had not known each other prior to converging at a traffic circle outside the Capitol. However, prosecutors alleged that they led the initial attack on police officers at the Capitol. The first breach occurred at Peace Circle, where the defendants used metal bike racks to strike officers, including Capitol Police Officer Caroline Edwards, causing injuries. This breach paved the way for thousands of additional rioters to storm the Capitol.
Prosecutors emphasized the significance of this initial breach, recommending sentences ranging from nine to over eleven years for the defendants. Attorneys for the defendants expressed remorse on their behalf, with some stating regrets for their actions during the riot. Grant’s attorney argued against the recommended sentence, citing Grant’s time served since January 2022 for unrelated charges.
The defendants’ conduct extended beyond the initial breach, with each displaying varying degrees of involvement in the riot. The defendants apologized to Capitol police officers present in the courtroom during the sentencing hearing. Johnson and Blythe expressed regret for their actions, while Randolph stayed at the Capitol for hours and engaged in further disruptive behavior. Cobb presided over a trial without a jury in February, leading to the conviction of the co-defendants on charges including obstructing police during a civil disorder.