By Casey Gannon | CNN
The person who was infamously photographed along with his toes on a desk in then-Home Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s workplace in the course of the January 6, 2021, assault on the US Capitol was sentenced Wednesday to 4 and a half years in jail.
Richard Barnett, also referred to as “Bigo,” was convicted by a jury in January of eight fees, together with civil dysfunction. He confronted as much as 20 years in jail for the highest cost of obstructing an official continuing.
“For higher or for worse, you’ve turn into one of many faces of January 6, and I feel you’ve loved that,” District Choose Christopher Cooper mentioned throughout sentencing.
In accordance with court docket paperwork, on January 6, Barnett spent 10 minutes in Pelosi’s workplace and solely left when he was sprayed with chemical irritant. Throughout that point, he put his toes up on the Pelosi’s desk and wrote a observe to Pelosi, calling her a “b**ch.” Court docket paperwork additionally state that Barnett had a stun gun in his pants whereas within the speaker’s workplace and that he took an envelope from the workplace. Prosecutors mentioned he left the Capitol exhibiting the envelope to different rioters prefer it was a “trophy.”
“I shudder to assume what would have occurred if these staffers have been there, or God forbid, the Speaker,” Cooper mentioned.
Prosecutors additionally alleged that Barnett made his approach to the Capitol Rotunda and joined a entrance line of rioters that have been pushing in opposition to legislation enforcement officers.
Barnett has not proven regret for his actions on January 6, which impacted his sentence. “The defendant continues to say that his conduct was comparable of a 4-year-old mood tantrum,” prosecutor Alison Prout mentioned.
Barnett addressed the court docket throughout sentencing, stating that he’ll attraction his case.
“They need me to be remorseful for issues I didn’t do. I’m clearly interesting this case,” Barnett mentioned.
Barnett has repeatedly said that he has been handled unfairly by the authorized system, and that he’ll solely apologize for actions he believes he dedicated in the course of the riot.
“I used to be indignant that day, I’ll admit I used to be indignant, and I apologize for that.”
Barnett didn’t touch upon the sentencing. His spouse was seen crying because the couple exited the courtroom.
Throughout his trial, Barnett testified he was pushed into the Capitol in the course of the riot and was searching for a spot to make use of the restroom contained in the constructing, admiring all of the art work alongside the way in which.
This story has been up to date with extra particulars.
