A Texas man, the first rioter to face trial for the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, was resentenced to nearly seven years in prison after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling led to the dismissal of his obstruction charge. The man, identified as Guy Reffitt, received a new sentence of six years and eight months, which is seven months lower than his original sentence.
During the resentencing, Reffitt expressed anger and frustration, claiming he was upset about perceived lies and craziness. He denied intentions of taking over the government, stating his love for the country. However, evidence presented in court revealed his active participation in the mob's attack on the Capitol.
Reffitt was found storming the Capitol with a holstered handgun, zip-tie handcuffs, body armor, and a helmet equipped with a video camera. He advanced on police officers but retreated after being pepper-sprayed. Prosecutors disclosed that Reffitt had planned to drag House Speaker Nancy Pelosi out of the building and had expressed violent intentions towards Congress.
Reffitt's conviction on an obstruction charge was dismissed following a Supreme Court ruling that narrowed the application of the law. Despite this, he was found guilty on four other counts, including threatening his teenage children after the riot. His daughters spoke positively of him during the resentencing, portraying him as a caring father.
Prosecutors highlighted Reffitt's continued belief in the righteousness of his actions on January 6 and his association with others who share similar views. More than 1,500 individuals have been charged in connection with the Capitol riot, with a significant number pleading guilty or being convicted after trial.
