A Texas man who was the first person to be convicted for a role in the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol was sentenced to more than seven years in prison on Monday.
Guy Reffitt was convicted in March on charges that included taking a gun to Capitol grounds, interfering with police and impeding an official proceeding — the certification by Congress of Joe Biden's 2020 presidential election victory.
Reffitt was also convicted of obstruction by threatening his teenage children if they spoke to authorities about his role in the attack on the Capitol.
His son, 18 at the time, did turn his father into the FBI and provided testimony against him in court despite Reffitt's warnings that “traitors get shot”.
His 87-month sentencing is the longest handed out to a Capitol riot accused thus far. Robert Palmer of Largo, Florida, held the previous record of 63 months.
More than 850 people have been arrested for their roles in the 2021 attack on the Capitol.
The riot left at least five people dead and scores of officers injured after then-president Donald Trump riled up his supporters to march to the Capitol building in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election.
AFP contributed to this report
January 6, 2021, attack on US Capitol — in pictures
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Donald Trump, the president at the time, speaks during a rally protesting the electoral college certification of Joe Biden as president in Washington on January 6, 2021. AP -
A mob loyal to Mr Trump tries to break through a police barrier at the Capitol. AP -
The mob waves pro-Trump flags in front of the Capitol building. AP -
Riot police push back a crowd of rioters at the Capitol building. AFP -
Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol building. AFP -
Insurrectionists loyal to Mr Trump try to open a door of the US Capitol building as they riot in Washington. AP -
US Capitol Police push back rioters trying to enter the US Capitol. AP -
Police and rioters confront each other in the Rotunda of the Capitol. US Capitol Police via AP -
Smoke fills the hallway outside the Senate chamber of the Capitol. AP -
Insurrectionists loyal to Mr Trump breach the Capitol in Washington. AP -
Trump supporters, including Doug Jensen, centre, confront US Capitol Police in the hallway outside the Senate chamber at the Capitol. AP -
Newly installed razor wire tops the fence surrounding the US Capitol following the January 6 riot. Reuters -
Security agents and members of Congress barricade the door to the House chamber as the violent mob breaches the Capitol. AP -
Rioter Jacob Chansley holds a sign referencing QAnon as supporters of Mr Trump gather to protest the early results of the 2020 presidential election. Reuters
