Washington, DC – A federal judge in Washington, DC delivered a scathing rebuke to a convicted January 6 rioter for his attempt to downplay the seriousness and impact of the US Capitol attack. US District Judge Royce Lamberth condemned the rioter’s use of revisionist rhetoric similar to that of former President Donald Trump, warning against normalizing the violence seen on January 6, 2021.
During the sentencing of Taylor James Johnatakis to more than seven years in prison, Judge Lamberth emphasized the importance of not condoning the actions that took place during the Capitol riot. He highlighted the dangers of a potential “vicious cycle” if Americans turn to vigilantism and anarchy as a response to election outcomes they disagree with.
Although not explicitly mentioning Trump by name, Judge Lamberth drew clear parallels between Johnatakis’ rhetoric and that of the former president. Johnatakis, who was convicted in November, echoed Trump’s dismissive attitude towards the insurrection, claiming that the events of January 6 were exaggerated.
The judge firmly stated that the January 6 riot was not an act of civil disobedience but a selfish and unpatriotic assault on the nation’s democratic institutions. He referenced historical figures like Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Henry David Thoreau, who used peaceful acts of civil disobedience to enact change, highlighting the stark contrast between their methods and the violent actions of the Capitol rioters.
Johnatakis, found guilty of assaulting a police officer and obstructing congressional proceedings, has shown little remorse for his actions. Despite facing multiple charges, including incitement of violence and leading the charge to breach the police line at the Capitol, he has continued to deny any wrongdoing and express outrage at his incarceration.
Prosecutors have argued for a longer prison sentence for Johnatakis due to his lack of remorse and defiant attitude towards the charges against him. The judge’s firm stance against political violence and the need for accountability in the aftermath of the Capitol riot sends a clear message regarding the consequences of undermining the country’s democratic principles.