A federal judge sharply dismissed Jan. 6 rioter Anthony Sargent’s claim that he went to the U.S. Capitol to help police as they were assaulted by protesters.
“To say he broke the glass to get inside to help people…I’m not buying that story at all,” Judge Dabney Friedrich told the courtroom on Friday, December 15, as quoted by CBS News Congressional Correspondent, Scott MacFarlane.
She called Sargent’s justification for his actions “preposterous” and “laughable.”
Prosecutors have called for a 46-month sentence for the New York man who pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to the 2021 insurrection. 2021, trying to prevent Congress from certifying President Joe Biden’s election victory. Photo: Jose Luis Magana/AP
They say Sargent grabbed and shoved officers, threw heavy objects at Capitol doors as police stood behind them, and encouraged fellow rioters to break into the building.
Texts show Sargent, a member of the far-right Proud Boys group, supported the prospect of civil war ahead of Jan. 6. But his defense team now claims he had an “altruistic” motive once at the Capitol.
The judge grilled the contention that Sargent ordered retreating officers what to do or was qualified to direct police in the chaotic situation.
When given a chance to explain himself before sentencing, Sargent declined to address the court.
His lawyer instead doubled down, arguing the defendant saw police “being pulled” toward danger and “made efforts” to assist them leaving the scene when tossing rocks toward Capitol entrances.
Again Judge Friedrich interjected, questioning what authority Sargent believed he had to manage law enforcement actions. She also noted video shows him celebrating with fellow rioters moments later.
Anthony Sargent at the US Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Photo/ Justice Department/USA Today
“His actions speak a lot louder than words,” the judge assessed.
Friedrich suggested Sargent has not fully accepted responsibility, despite his guilty plea. By falsely claiming to help officers, she said he provided further justification for a stricter sentence.
Prosecutors say his repeated violence enabled the historic disruption at the Capitol. Sargent’s unpredictability and recent excuses raise doubts about his rehabilitation or remorse, they contend.
His inconsistent statements and refusal to explain himself before the judge may undermine pleas for leniency from his defense team. Instead, it has drawn sustained scorn from the bench.
With Sargent’s altruism story completely rejected, legal observers say Friedrich may come down harder on the defendant as arguments conclude.
Her pointed skepticism at his bid for a reduced sentence does not bode well for the fate of the self-styled good Samaritan rioter.
