A California man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot, marking the second-longest sentence handed down in connection with the event.
David Nicholas Dempsey, who pleaded guilty in January to two counts of assaulting police officers with a dangerous weapon, received the sentence, which is second only to the 22 years given to Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio.
According to reports, prosecutors labelled Dempsey as one of the most violent participants in the riot, which aimed to disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election results in favour of President Joe Biden.
The prosecution detailed Dempsey’s actions during the riot, including how he assaulted police officers with a metal crutch, poles, pepper spray, and broken furniture.
Additionally, Dempsey was accused of climbing over other rioters, using them as “human scaffolding” to reach officers guarding a tunnel entrance, injuring two officers in the process.
He also attacked a fellow rioter who attempted to disarm him.
During sentencing, U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth condemned Dempsey’s behaviour, stating, “Your conduct on Jan. 6 was exceptionally egregious.
You did not get carried away at the moment.” Dempsey expressed remorse, apologising for his “reprehensible” actions and to the officers he attacked.
Dempsey has a prior criminal record, including a conviction in California for burglary, theft, and assault after attacking protesters at a demonstration against former President Trump in October 2019.
He served 200 days in jail for that conviction.
Prosecutors had sought a 21-year sentence, describing Dempsey as “political violence personified.” In contrast, Dempsey’s defence argued for a lighter sentence of six years and six months, criticising the government’s recommendation as excessive and not reflective of his personal growth.
Ultimately, the judge sided more closely with the prosecution, sentencing Dempsey to 20 years, with credit for the time he has served since his arrest in August 2021.
