Capitol Rioter Gets a Year for Attacking Cops

A Chicago man, James McNamara, 61, will spend the next year in federal prison after admitting to attacking Metropolitan Police Department officers during the January 6th, 2021, Capitol breach. McNamara pleaded guilty to assaulting a federal officer, a charge stemming from his violent actions as rioters swarmed the Capitol building attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election. He wasn’t there to protest peacefully; he came prepared to fight law enforcement.

According to court documents, McNamara didn’t just stand around. He actively engaged in the assault, swinging his arms and fist at an MPD officer. But that wasn’t enough. He also used a bike rack as a battering ram, repeatedly slamming it into the outer doors of the Capitol – doors that were already under siege. This wasn’t a spontaneous act; it was a deliberate attempt to force entry and obstruct the certification of the election results.

U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson handed down the 12-month sentence, followed by 24 months of supervised release and a $2,000 restitution order. While a year behind bars is a consequence, it barely scratches the surface of the damage inflicted on that day. The feds have been relentless in pursuing those responsible, and McNamara is just one of many facing the music.

The January 6th riot wasn’t a protest; it was a full-blown assault on American democracy. Law enforcement officers bore the brunt of the violence, facing down a mob fueled by conspiracy theories and rage. They defended the Capitol, protected elected officials, and prevented a complete breakdown of the electoral process. McNamara’s actions directly threatened their safety and the integrity of the government.

Federal prosecutors from the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, along with the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department, built the case against McNamara. The FBI’s Chicago and Washington Field Offices also played a crucial role in identifying him – initially known as #471 in photos seeking information. This was a coordinated effort, and it’s far from over.

To date, over 1,106 individuals have been arrested in connection with the Capitol breach, with more than 350 charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The feds aren’t letting up. If you have information about others involved, the FBI asks you to contact them. The January 6th insurrection won’t be forgotten, and those who participated will continue to be held accountable, no matter how long it takes. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story.

RELATED: Capitol Rioter Gets Prison Time for Attacking Cops

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