New York Cop Sentenced to 10 Years Over the Jan 6 Riot
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What the Court Actually Did
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The sentence: 120 months (10 years) on concurrent terms — the longest yet in any Jan 6‑related case.
Three additional years under supervised release.
Why It Matters
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Thomas Webster, a former NYC police officer, hit a Capitol guard with a flagpole and tackled him.
A DC jury tossed the “self‑defence” defense and found him guilty.
Judges’ recommendations ranged from 17½ years (prosecutors) to 10 years (probation). The final decision leaned toward the “ten‑year” camp.
Judge’s Take‑away
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“I wish you hadn’t come to DC. I wish you’d stayed home in New York… All of us would be better off.” – Judge Amit Mehta (CBS News)
Broader Context
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Over 860 people arrested for the breach—260+ charged with assaulting police.
Webster was part of the wave aimed at stopping Congress from certifying Joe Biden’s win.
His lawyer blamed “extraordinary influence” from Trump’s false claims for the motivation.
What This Gives Us
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A stark reminder that the Capitol isn’t a playground for “misinformed” cops.
A win for justice, even if it feels like a “long‑haul” slog through court gymnastics.
A nudge that the US justice system can still deliver a hefty sentence for those who think politics gives them a green light.
Be Sure: The Bridge Between Law and Reality Is Still Active
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Remember: even if you’re an ex‑police officer, a flagpole doesn’t count as a weapon of tolerance.
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