WASHINGTON (AP) — A Washington man who used a megaphone to orchestrate a mob attack on police officers guarding the Capitol was sentenced Wednesday to more than seven years in prison.
U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth said Taylor James Jonatakis was captured on video taking a leadership role during the trial. January 6, 2021, Riot. The judge said Jonatakis led other rioters in charging toward the police line and “shouting commands” through a megaphone, shouting step-by-step instructions to subdue the officers.
“Every angry mob has a leader, and it also has followers. Mr. Jonatakis was a leader. He knew what he was doing that day,” the judge sentenced him to seven years and three months in prison. sentenced.
Jonatakis, who was represented by a lawyer on standby, has repeatedly expressed rhetoric that appears to be inspired by rebel groups. sovereign people ” Motion. During his sentencing, he asked the judge questions such as, “Does the record reflect that I have repented of my sins?”
Lamberth called some of Jonatakis' words “gluttonous” and said, “I'm not going to answer any questions here.”
Prosecutors recommended a nine-year prison sentence for Jonatakis, a self-employed septic system installer.
“Jonatakis was more than just a rioter. He led, organized, and encouraged the assault on police officers at the U.S. Capitol on January 6,” prosecutors wrote. Submission to court.
A jury convicted him of the felony charge after a trial in Washington, D.C., last year.
Jonatakis, 40, of Kingston, Washington, wore a megaphone on his back as he marched to the Capitol from then-President Donald Trump's Stop the Steal rally near the White House on January 6. I was carrying it on my back.
“It’s over,” he shouted to the crowd of Trump supporters. “Michael Pence voted against the president. We are choosing the nuclear option.”
Jonatakis was among the first rioters to chase a group of retreating police officers up the steps outside the Capitol. He yelled and gestured for other rioters to “pack up” and prepare to attack.
Jonatakis yelled, “Go!” before he and other rioters forced a metal barricade into a line of police officers. He also grabbed the officer's arm.
“The crime is complete,” Jonatakis posted on social media hours after leaving the Capitol.
He was arrested in February 2021. He has been in prison since November 2023, when he was convicted on seven charges, including obstructing the Jan. 6 joint session of Congress during which jurors certified Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election. The jury also found him guilty of assault and treason.
Justice Department prosecutor Courtney Howard said Jonatakis has not expressed genuine remorse or accepted responsibility for his crimes on January 6.
“He even portrays himself as a persecuted victim,” she said.
Lamberth said she had received more than 20 letters from Jonatakis, relatives and friends. The judge added that some of Jonatakis' supporters may not know the full extent of Jonatakis' crimes on January 6th. Lamberth said he would order the court clerk to send copies to everyone. prepared comments Sentencing hearing underway.
“There is no place in our country for this type of political violence,” Lamberth said.
Last April, Mr. Lamberth ordered a psychologist to examine Mr. Jonatakis to determine whether he was mentally competent to stand trial. The judge ultimately ruled that Jonatakis understood the proceedings and could assist in his defense.
about 1,350 people They are charged with federal crimes related to the Capitol riot. More than 800 of them have been sentenced, with roughly two-thirds receiving prison sentences ranging from a few days to a few days. 22 years old.
