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A California man, who was involved in some of the harshest and longest attacks on police during the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. Senior D.C. District Judge Royce Lamberth mandated the lengthy sentence for David Dempsey, marking it as one of the stiffest penalties related to the Capitol assault to date.
Prosecutors presented multiple video clips during the trial showing Dempsey engaging violently with law enforcement near the Capitol’s Lower West Terrace. These videos depicted him striking officers, kicking, and hurling various objects at the police trying to hold back the mob.
One particular video highlighted Dempsey using a stolen metal crutch to bash an officer’s helmet, causing damage to the face shield. An officer attacked by Dempsey testified about his fear of death during the assault, his thoughts turning to his family in those terrifying moments.
Judge Lamberth condemned Dempsey’s actions as “exceptionally egregious,” noting that Dempsey’s extensive criminal record and previous attacks on political adversaries during past protests in 2019 and 2020 influenced the severe sentencing decision. The judge acknowledged that had Dempsey succeeded in breaching the police line, it could have led to catastrophic outcomes for the Congress members inside.
Prosecutors labeled Dempsey as a symbol of political violence when arguing for a severe punishment. Before the sentencing, Dempsey expressed remorse for his actions and apologized to the police officers present in court. However, moments after his sentencing, as he was being led away, Dempsey flashed a hand signal associated with white supremacy.
As of early this year, more than 1,265 individuals have been charged and over 460 have been sentenced in relation to the Capitol riot, according to the U.S. attorney’s office in Washington, D.C.