A North Carolina man who attacked police officers with a pole during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riots was sentenced Tuesday to six year in prison, the Justice Department announced .
David Gietzen was found guilty of assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest, trespassing and disorderly conduct for his role in the attack.
Prosecutors said Gietzen approached police lines at the west side of the Capitol during the riot, wearing a helmet, goggles, and knee pads, and began pushing and tussling with officers. He repeatedly yelled phrases including “We want Trump!” and “f‑‑‑ing disgrace” toward police, prosecutors said.
Gietzen continued pushing and shoving officers in an effort to gain access to the Capitol, including grabbing a long pole and hitting a police officer with it, prosecutors said. He was later able to enter the Capitol.
After the riot, Gietzen bragged about this participation, telling a family member he had “never been prouder to be an American” on what he believed was a “beautiful day” and excitedly anticipated armed civil war.