WASHINGTON – A defendant involved in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol has been sentenced to six years in prison after being convicted on charges of felony obstruction of an official proceeding and civil disorder. John Sullivan, also known as “Jayden X,” was described by prosecutors as someone who sought to incite violence and foment anarchy during the attack.
During the trial, evidence was presented showing Sullivan bragging about his intentions to incite the crowd and make Trump supporters “f— s— up.” Despite claiming to have brought a megaphone to the Capitol to instigate, Sullivan tearfully expressed remorse and stated that he had learned his lesson before the sentencing.
Prosecutors argued for a longer sentence of over seven years, emphasizing Sullivan’s role in seeking confrontation during the attack. Judge Royce C. Lamberth noted the unique nature of Sullivan’s case, highlighting his political beliefs that differed from many other Jan. 6 defendants who believed in the false claims of a stolen election.
Sullivan, an antiestablishment activist, held himself out as a supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement, although BLM activists distanced themselves from him in 2020. His actions, which included filming the events of Jan. 6, were scrutinized by prosecutors who argued that his true intention was to foment anarchy rather than act as a journalist.
The sentencing also addressed Sullivan’s attempt to profit off his footage of the attack, with prosecutors seeking to reclaim the funds he had received from media outlets. Despite claims of leading an admirable life, Sullivan’s defense team acknowledged his struggles with mental stability and physical well-being while in custody.
With over 1,387 Capitol attack defendants charged and nearly 1,000 convictions secured, the repercussions of the events on Jan. 6 continue to unfold. As more defendants face sentencing, the impact of their actions on the Capitol and the broader political landscape remains a focal point of discussion and legal proceedings.