A federal judge has sentenced a member of the far-right Proud Boys who stormed the US Capitol on 6 January 2021 to 10 years in prison.
The violence in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election was part of a failed bid by then-President Donald Trump's supporters to block Congress from certifying Joe Biden's victory.
Dominic Pezzola did not play a leadership role in the group and was the only defendant of five to be acquitted of seditious conspiracy, a crime which involves attempting to overthrow the government.
But he was convicted of other felonies, including assaulting police and obstructing official proceedings.
"You personally played a significant role in the events that day," District Judge Timothy Kelly said. "It was a national disgrace, what happened."
After being sentenced Pezzola retorted, "Trump won".
A second sentencing hearing for defendant Ethan Nordean, a leader of the group who was convicted of seditious conspiracy and other crimes, will take place later on Friday.
Yesterday Judge Kelly ordered two other former Proud Boys leaders, Joseph Biggs and Zachary Rehl, to serve 17 years and 15 years in prison, respectively.
Thousands of Trump supporters attacked the Capitol following a speech in which the Republican falsely claimed that his November 2020 election defeat was the result of widespread fraud.
Donald Trump has continued to make those false claims even as he leads the Republican race for the 2024 nomination to challenge Democratic President Biden.
Five people including a police officer died during or shortly after the riot and more than 140 police officers were injured. The Capitol suffered millions of dollars in damage.
The government had sought a 20-year prison term for Pezzola and is seeking a 27-year term for Nordean.
Former Proud Boys Chairman Enrique Tarrio will be sentenced on 5 September. The government is asking for a 33-year sentence.
