This article highlights the recent sentencing of a Texas man for his involvement in assaulting law enforcement during the January 6 Capitol breach. The man, Daniel Dink Phipps, was sentenced to 27 months in prison, along with 36 months of supervised release and a $270 special assessment. Phipps had pleaded guilty to two felony offenses, including assaulting certain officers and civil disorder, as well as four misdemeanor offenses. The court documents reveal that Phipps assaulted three police officers and threatened the entire group, boasting about his actions on social media. The article provides a detailed account of Phipps’ actions and the subsequent legal proceedings.
Background
The events of January 6, 2021, will forever be remembered as a dark day in American history. On this day, a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol, disrupting a joint session of Congress and causing widespread chaos and destruction. The actions of these individuals threatened the very fabric of our democracy and resulted in numerous law enforcement officers being assaulted and injured.
Sentencing and Charges
Length of Sentence
One individual, Daniel Dink Phipps, a former security guard from Garland, Texas, was recently sentenced for his participation in the assault on law enforcement during the Capitol breach. Phipps was sentenced to 27 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Nichols.
Supervised Release
In addition to his prison sentence, Phipps was also ordered to serve 36 months of supervised release. This means that after his release from prison, Phipps will be closely monitored and required to adhere to certain conditions, such as regularly checking in with a probation officer.
Special Assessment
As part of his sentencing, Phipps was also ordered to pay a $270 special assessment. This assessment is a mandatory fee that is required in federal criminal cases and is used to help fund various victim assistance programs.
Guilty Plea and Offenses
Accepting Responsibility
Prior to his sentencing, Phipps accepted responsibility for his actions and pleaded guilty to a total of six offenses. This plea is an important step towards accountability and allows for a more streamlined legal process.
Felony Offenses
Of the six offenses Phipps pleaded guilty to, two were felony offenses. These included one count of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers and one count of civil disorder. Felony offenses carry more severe penalties than misdemeanor offenses and are indicative of more serious criminal conduct.
Misdemeanor Offenses
Phipps also pleaded guilty to four misdemeanor offenses. These included entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds or in a Capitol building, and parading, demonstrating, and picketing in a Capitol building. While misdemeanor offenses carry lesser penalties than felonies, they are still serious offenses that can result in imprisonment and fines.
Assault on Police Officers
Assaulting Three Officers
According to court documents, Phipps was involved in the assault of three separate police officers during the Capitol breach. These officers were bravely facing off against a violent mob and were struggling to remove Phipps and other rioters from the Capitol building’s North Terrace. Phipps continued to resist and assault the officers until finally leaving the area after the third assault.
Threats to Officers
During the assaults, Phipps also made threats to the entire group of officers, indicating that the violence was far from over. He warned them that this was only the beginning and that they should expect further actions from the rioters.
Boasting on Social Media
Two days after the events at the Capitol, Phipps took to social media to boast about his actions. He proudly claimed that he had “helped take the Hill,” referring to the Capitol building. This kind of behavior highlights the dangerous mindset and lack of remorse exhibited by some of the individuals involved in the assault.
Timeline of Events
Travel to Washington, D.C.
Phipps traveled from his home in Garland, Texas, to Washington, D.C. with the intent to participate in the events on January 6th. This shows a level of premeditation and planning on his part.
Entry into Capitol Building
Once in Washington, D.C., Phipps made his way to the U.S. Capitol building and entered through the Senate Wing doorway. This was a direct violation of the law and demonstrated a blatant disregard for the security measures in place.
Mingling with Rioters
After entering the building, Phipps joined a group of other rioters in the Crypt area. He spent approximately 20 minutes mingling with these individuals, further immersing himself in the chaotic atmosphere.
Altercation with Police
At around 4:30 p.m., a line of police officers ordered Phipps and other rioters to leave the North Terrace of the Capitol building. Phipps refused to comply and was recorded on body-worn cameras violently resisting the officers’ efforts. He physically pushed and shoved three officers before finally leaving the area.
Justification for Participation
Facebook Post Justifying Actions
Just two days after the events at the Capitol, Phipps took to Facebook to justify his participation in the riot. In his post, he stated that he went to D.C. to exercise his 1st Amendment right to take grievances to representatives and boasted about preventing antifa from causing damage. This post shows a clear lack of understanding of the appropriate way to express grievances and a misguided belief in justifying his unlawful actions.
Photograph Inside the Capitol
In addition to his Facebook post, Phipps also posted a photograph of himself inside the Capitol building. In this photo, he is seen holding an American flag draped over his shoulder. This image further confirms his direct involvement in the events and serves as evidence in his prosecution.
Arrest and Prosecution
FBI Arrest
On January 26, 2021, FBI agents arrested Phipps in Corpus Christi, Texas. This arrest is a testament to the dedication and hard work of law enforcement agencies in identifying and apprehending those responsible for the Capitol breach.
Prosecution Assistance
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia led the prosecution of this case. They were supported by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Northern and Southern Districts of Texas, as well as the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division. Cooperation and collaboration between these agencies are crucial to ensuring the effective prosecution of those involved in the assault on law enforcement.
Investigating Agencies
The investigation into Phipps’ actions was led by the FBI’s Dallas Field Office and Washington Field Office. These agencies worked diligently to uncover evidence and identify him as one of the individuals sought in the seeking information photos released by the FBI. The Fort Worth Police Department, U.S. Capitol Police, and Metropolitan Police Department also provided valuable assistance in this investigation.
Statistics on Capitol Breach Arrests
Number of Arrests
Since January 6, 2021, over 1,106 individuals have been arrested in connection with the breach of the U.S. Capitol. This staggering number illustrates the widespread nature of the crimes committed and the extensive efforts being made to hold those responsible accountable.
Charges Related to Law Enforcement Assault
Of the individuals arrested, more than 350 have been charged specifically with assaulting or impeding law enforcement officers. This statistic underscores the severity of the attacks on law enforcement during the Capitol breach and highlights the ongoing investigative efforts to identify and prosecute those involved.
Tips and Reporting
FBI Contact Information
For anyone with information regarding the Capitol breach or individuals involved, the FBI has established a dedicated tip line. Tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324). This hotline is staffed 24/7 and allows individuals to provide valuable information anonymously.
Tips and Information Website
In addition to the tip line, the FBI also maintains a website where individuals can submit tips and access information related to the Capitol breach. The website, tips.fbi.gov, serves as a central hub for reporting information and staying informed about the ongoing investigations.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Daniel Dink Phipps serves as a significant step towards accountability for the assault on law enforcement officers during the Capitol breach. His actions, along with those of the other individuals involved, disrupted the democratic process and caused harm to the brave men and women who protect our nation. The ongoing investigations and prosecutions in connection with the Capitol breach demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to uphold the rule of law and ensure that those responsible are held to account for their actions.