Capitol Rioter Sentenced to 5 Years for Attacking Photographer and Police Officers

Rodney Milstreed, a man who attacked an AP photographer and threw a flagpole and smoke grenade at police officers during the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, has been sentenced to five years in prison. Prosecutors revealed that Milstreed had injected steroids and armed himself with a wooden club disguised as a flagpole in preparation for the violence. Milstreed expressed remorse for his actions, but the judge emphasized the seriousness of his conduct. Capitol Police Officer Devan Gowdy, who suffered a concussion from Milstreed's attack, described the lasting impact of the domestic terrorist attack. Milstreed pleaded guilty to assault charges and possessing an unregistered firearm, and prosecutors recommended a prison sentence of six years and six months.