Similarly, Patrick McCaughey III, a 25-year-old man who pinned Officer Daniel Hodges in a metal door frame with a stolen riot shield for over two minutes during the January 6 attack, is facing sentencing for seven felonies and two misdemeanors. One of these charges includes impeding a law enforcement officer with a dangerous weapon. He was found guilty in September, and prosecutors are requesting one of the longest sentences for a Jan 6. rioter – 188 months. According to Kimberly Paschall, Assistant U.S Attorney, McCaughey’s actions were particularly egregious and prolonged compared to other rioters on trial with him.
In a move likely to stoke controversy, the prosecutors have recommended a 51-month sentence for Stewart Rhodes for his role in the Jan 6. attack on the Capitol. Prosecutors have requested that Rhodes be sentenced to 27 years in prison, arguing that his attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election through violence was an act of terrorism.
Despite prosecutors’ arguments, some have criticized the requests as overreaching. The use of terrorism-related enhancements beyond the sentencing guidelines has so far not been successful in court, with judges rejecting it in cases that have seen convictions.
Ultimately, these cases demonstrate the severity of the alleged crimes committed during the Capitol riot and the government’s efforts to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The attempt to overturn the election results through violence has been deemed an attack on the very foundations of democracy and has prompted a massive investigation to identify and bring to justice all perpetrators responsible for the Capitol riot.
