A fervent Donald Trump supporter, who bear-sprayed law enforcement officers at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, was sentenced to three years in prison after a lengthy hearing on Monday. Edward Francisco Rodriguez, identified as “#SuitMacer” by online “Sedition Hunters,” was sentenced by Judge Dabney L. Friedrich following his guilty plea earlier this year.
Rodriguez, a 28-year-old real estate agent from Brooklyn, New York, attacked officers on January 6, resulting in injuries to at least eight officers, including Sergeant O.A., Officer M.B., Officer N.D., Officer P.N., Officer B.R., former Officer J.R., Sergeant A.W., and Officer A.Z. The officers were injured by Rodriguez’s bear spray attack during the chaotic events at the Capitol.
Prosecutors had sought more than seven years in federal prison for Rodriguez. However, Judge Friedrich handed down a three-year sentence, less than half of what prosecutors had requested, citing Rodriguez’s mental health needs. She referred to Rodriguez as “easily manipulated,” noting that he believed the mass email messages he received from the Trump campaign about January 6 were personal invitations rather than generic communications.
Before the sentence was imposed, Rodriguez expressed remorse for his actions. “I deeply regret my actions on January 6th,” he said, acknowledging his disconnection from reality and the chaos of that day. In contrast, he had previously boasted, “We in America, we fight back!” during interviews on January 6.
Rodriguez’s attorney, Nora Hirozawa, stated that Rodriguez was in a “state of mania” when he assaulted law enforcement officers. The courtroom was sealed during parts of the proceedings to discuss Rodriguez’s mental health and diminished capacity, with Hirozawa expressing concerns about the adequacy of mental health treatment available from the federal Bureau of Prisons.
Officer Marina Bronstein, one of the officers sprayed by Rodriguez, appeared in court and recounted her traumatic experience. In a signed statement, she described how she was repeatedly sprayed, yelled at, punched, and shoved by Trump supporters. Bronstein suffered injuries, including a concussion, a back injury, a deviated septum, a broken tooth, and multiple bruises. She continues to cope with migraines, nightmares, and post-traumatic stress disorder from the event.
During the hearing, Rodriguez expressed his desire to apologize to the officers. Officer Bronstein accepted his apology, though she emphasized that forgiveness did not change the impact of the attack or her ongoing trauma.
The sentencing reflects the complex aftermath of the January 6 Capitol riot, highlighting the emotional and physical toll on law enforcement officers who endured the violence perpetrated by rioters.
