Capitol Hill Sentence

This was a foolish decision on my part that I take full responsibility for … I do not nor will not make any excuse.

Florida resident Paul Hodgkins who received the first felony sentence (8 months) for his January 6 actions on Capitol Hill.

• Hodgkins walked onto the Senate floor that day with a large “Trump 2020” flag; he pleaded guilty of a single count of obstructing an official proceeding.
• Hodgkins says he had no ambition to enter the U.S. Capitol that day; he had only come to Washington D.C. to support Pres. Trump.
• He also said during his sentencing: “I say this not because I face consequence, but because of the damage that day’s incident caused, the way this country that I love has been hurt.”

Why This Matters: This is the very first federal sentence related to the January 6 riot. The sentencing guidelines recommended upwards of 18 months; Hodgkins received 8 months. The judge explained that while Hodgkins had no previous record, and wasn’t caught in a violent act, he still deserved the sentence because he “actively and intentionally participated in an event that threatened not only the security of the Capitol but democracy itself.” Some say this will serve as a precedent for other cases moving forward.

Capitol Rioter Who Walked On Senate Floor On Jan. 6 Sentenced To 8 Months In Prison