Washington man sentenced to over 7 years in prison for orchestrating Capitol riot with megaphone

A Washington state man, Taylor James Johnatakis, was sentenced to more than seven years in prison for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth highlighted Johnatakis' leadership role in orchestrating the attack on police officers guarding the U.S. Capitol. The judge emphasized that Johnatakis used a megaphone to lead other rioters in a charge against a police line and shouted step-by-step directions for overpowering officers.

Judge's Remarks and Sentencing

Judge Lamberth stated, "In any angry mob, there are leaders and there are followers. Mr. Johnatakis was a leader. He knew what he was doing that day," before sentencing him to seven years and three months behind bars. Prosecutors had recommended a nine-year prison sentence for Johnatakis, who represented himself with an attorney on standby.

Johnatakis' Involvement and Arrest

Johnatakis, 40, of Kingston, Washington, had a megaphone strapped to his back when he marched to the Capitol from then-President Donald Trump's “Stop the Steal” rally near the White House on Jan. 6. He was one of the first rioters to chase a group of police officers who were retreating up stairs outside the Capitol. Johnatakis was also convicted of obstruction of the Jan. 6 joint session of Congress that certified Joe Biden's 2020 electoral victory, assault, and civil disorder charges.

Court Proceedings and Judge's Response

During the sentencing, Johnatakis asked the judge questions, including, “Does the record reflect that I repent in my sins?” to which Judge Lamberth responded, “I'm not answering questions here.” The judge also referred to some of Johnatakis' words as "gobbledygook." Additionally, Lamberth mentioned that he received over 20 letters from Johnatakis, his relatives, and friends, and that some of his supporters don't seem to know the full extent of his crimes on Jan. 6.

Prosecutor's Statement

Justice Department prosecutor Courtney Howard said that Johnatakis hadn't expressed any sincere remorse or accepted responsibility for his crimes on Jan. 6, and had portrayed himself as a persecuted victim. Lamberth emphasized, "There can be no room in our country for this sort of political violence."