In a recent development, an Arkansas man has been sentenced to 52 months in prison for assaulting law enforcement officers during the Jan. 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol. Peter Francis Stager, 44, pleaded guilty to assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers using a deadly or dangerous weapon. Stager was part of an armed mob that attacked police officers at the Lower West Terrace entrance of the Capitol building. He beat a downed officer with a flagpole and later yelled derogatory statements towards another officer. In addition to the prison term, Stager was also ordered to serve 36 months of supervised release and pay restitution of $2,000. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Counterterrorism Section of the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Security Division.
Overview
In this article, we will discuss the assault on law enforcement during the January 6 Capitol breach and the legal proceedings that followed. We will provide a summary of the incident, including background information, and delve into the details of the assault itself, the actions of the mob, and the involvement of the defendant, Peter Francis Stager. We will also explore the legal proceedings, including the plea and sentencing, prison term and supervised release, and the restitution order. Additionally, we will examine the court documents and highlight Stager’s position and actions as outlined in these documents.
Furthermore, we will analyze the statements and filmed evidence that emerged during the investigation, which shed light on Stager’s remarks about the Capitol and law enforcement and provide irrefutable proof of his actions during the breach. We will also delve into the arrest and investigation process, including the date of Stager’s arrest, the details of the prosecution and investigation, and the assistance received from other law enforcement agencies.
Moreover, we will explore the scope of the investigation, examining the number of arrests related to the Capitol breach, the charges related to assaulting law enforcement, and the ongoing nature of the investigation. We will discuss the role of prosecutors and the divisions involved in the case, as well as the support provided by the U.S. Department of Justice and other law enforcement agencies.
In conclusion, we will provide a summary of the case, emphasizing the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, particularly when they involve assaulting law enforcement. Lastly, we will provide any updates on the investigation and further developments related to the incident.
The Incident
During the January 6 Capitol breach, a large mob stormed the U.S. Capitol building, disrupting a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election. Among the individuals involved in this assault was Peter Francis Stager, a 44-year-old man from Conway, Arkansas. Stager was part of the armed mob that attacked police officers at the Lower West Terrace entrance of the Capitol building. He played a direct role in assaulting law enforcement officers, as outlined in court documents.
At approximately 4:27 p.m., police officers had been defending the archway opening to a corridor leading from the Lower West Terrace to the interior of the Capitol building for nearly two hours. They were continuously advancing and retreating as rioters fought their way into the entrance. Stager, while positioned towards the bottom of a set of steps, carried a flagpole with an American flag affixed. He watched as his co-defendants attacked the police line and dragged a police officer, facedown and headfirst, out of the line and into the crowd of rioters.
Once the others had dragged the officer into the crowd, Stager raised the flagpole he was carrying and proceeded to beat the downed police officer, striking him at least three times. This act of violence against a law enforcement officer was captured on video and serves as evidence of Stager’s participation in the assault.
Afterwards, Stager ascended the steps towards the archway where a second officer was lying on the ground, fending off attacks from other rioters. Stager stood over the officer and yelled derogatory remarks, including “Fuck you! Fucking traitor!” These actions clearly demonstrated Stager’s disdain for law enforcement and his active participation in the assault on the Capitol.
Legal Proceedings
Following his arrest, Stager pleaded guilty to assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers using a deadly or dangerous weapon on February 16, 2023. As a result of his guilty plea, Stager was sentenced to 52 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras. In addition to the prison term, Judge Contreras ordered 36 months of supervised release and restitution of $2,000.
The imposed sentence reflects the severity of Stager’s actions and holds him accountable for his involvement in attacking law enforcement officers during the Capitol breach. The restitution order further emphasizes the responsibility of the defendant to compensate his victims for the harm inflicted upon them.
Court Documents
The details outlined in the court documents provide further insight into Stager’s position and actions during the assault on law enforcement. These documents play a crucial role in establishing the facts of the case and presenting the evidence against Stager. The court documents outline Stager’s participation in the assault, including his role in beating a police officer and his derogatory remarks towards law enforcement officers.
By examining the court documents, it becomes apparent that Stager played an active and direct role in the attack on law enforcement during the January 6 Capitol breach. These findings are supported by witness testimonies and video evidence, which will be discussed in further detail in the subsequent sections.
Statements and Filmed Evidence
Stager’s remarks about the Capitol and law enforcement, as well as the filmed evidence of his actions, serve as compelling pieces of evidence against him. In a video captured later in the day of the breach, Stager can be seen pointing at the Capitol building and describing everyone inside as “a disgrace.” He goes on to state that “death is the only remedy” for those he views as “treasonous traitors.”
These remarks underscore Stager’s hostility towards the institutions of the U.S. government and law enforcement. They demonstrate a clear intent to incite violence and disrupt the democratic process. They also reveal the defendant’s involvement in the assault on law enforcement officers, confirming his active participation in the violent events of that day.
Additionally, filmed evidence captured Stager beating a police officer with a flagpole, as previously detailed. This filmed footage provides irrefutable proof of Stager’s violent actions and further strengthens the case against him.
Arrest and Investigation
Peter Francis Stager was arrested on January 14, 2021, in connection with his involvement in the Capitol breach. The arrest was made as part of the ongoing investigation into the events of January 6. Stager’s apprehension marked a significant step forward in holding individuals accountable for their participation in the assault on law enforcement and the desecration of the U.S. Capitol.
The arrest of Stager was the result of diligent investigative work by law enforcement agencies, including the FBI’s Little Rock Field Office and Washington Field Office. The evidence gathered during the investigation, along with the assistance provided by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Capitol Police, played a crucial role in identifying and apprehending Stager.
Scope of the Investigation
In the aftermath of the Capitol breach, a comprehensive investigation was launched to identify and arrest individuals involved in the attack on law enforcement officers and the Capitol building. This investigation has resulted in the arrest of over 1,069 individuals in nearly all 50 states. Among these arrests, more than 350 individuals have been charged specifically with assaulting or impeding law enforcement officers.
The vast scope of this investigation underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to bring those responsible for the assault on the Capitol to justice. The ongoing nature of the investigation indicates the dedication of authorities in identifying and prosecuting all individuals involved in the violent events of January 6.
Prosecution and Assistance
The prosecution of Peter Francis Stager was led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Counterterrorism Section of the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Security Division. These divisions, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas, ensured that Stager was held accountable for his actions during the Capitol breach.
Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Justice and several other law enforcement agencies provided crucial support throughout the prosecution and investigation process. The collaborative efforts of these entities highlight the unified approach of federal law enforcement in addressing the assault on law enforcement officers and the U.S. Capitol.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the assault on law enforcement during the January 6 Capitol breach is a grave example of the violence and disruption that unfolded on that fateful day. Peter Francis Stager’s active participation in this assault, as detailed in court documents and supported by filmed evidence, resulted in his arrest and subsequent conviction.
The legal proceedings against Stager, including his guilty plea, sentencing, prison term, and supervised release, serve as an example of the consequences individuals may face for their role in assaulting law enforcement officers and undermining the democratic process. The restitution order further highlights the obligation of defendants to compensate their victims for the harm caused.
The investigation into the Capitol breach remains ongoing, as law enforcement agencies continue to identify and apprehend individuals involved in the assault. It is essential to hold all those responsible accountable for their actions, reflecting the importance of preserving the rule of law and maintaining the integrity of our democratic institutions.
While significant progress has been made in the prosecution and investigation of individuals involved in the Capitol breach, it is crucial to remain vigilant and continually update the public on the developments of this case. This ongoing effort ensures that justice is served and helps to prevent any future attacks on our democracy.