Capitol insurrection: Rioter says receiving a lighter sentence will help 'heal the nation'

Hundreds of those who have taken part in the January 6 Capitol insurrection are now awaiting trial for the consequences of their actions. One particular rioter was looking to receive a much lighter sentence as his lawyer argues that it would help “heal” the nation.

A report by The Daily Beast revealed Paul Hodgkins, who is accused and charged for his involvement in the Capitol insurrection, was looking to receive a light sentence for his crimes. Hodgkins is one of the first rioters to receive his sentencing hearing. Hodgkins’ attorney Patric Leduc sent a memo to Judge Randolph D. Moss, arguing that Hodgkins receiving a lighter sentence for his involvement will actually help “heal” the country.

“This case is the story of a man who represents all that we would want in our fellow Americans,” Leduc wrote in the memo. “It is the story of man who for just one hour on one day, lost his bearings and his way,”

“A sentence that provides Paul Hodgkin’s ‘charity’ would go a very long way toward healing a nation in dire need of seeing what undeserved ‘grace’ looks like,” Leduc added.

Five people died as a result of the insurrection meant to derail Congress’ formal certification of Joe Biden’s election victory over Donald Trump. Trump’s refusal to acknowledge his defeat culminated in the riots that were also incited hours prior during a rally. The former president was subsequently impeached by the House for a second time and was banned from most major social media platforms.

Republicans, especially those who are loyal to the former president have since attempted to rewrite the events. A recent rally in Florida called the rioters that have been detained “political prisoners” and have also tried to paint Trump supporter and veteran Ashlii Babbitt as a martyr despite being involved in the insurrection.

From one rioter to another, Mark Ponder, who is also accused of taking part in the insurrection, especially assaulting DC Police officers with a flagpole, refused to make a deal with prosecutors during his recent hearing. Ponder currently has 12 charges against him from the insurrection.

During his March court trial, Ponder pleaded not guilty and to this day maintains his not guilty plea even after months of questioning. Ponder was offered a deal that would have given him a lighter sentence of 5-6 years in prison. By Monday, Ponder refused the deal, making it clear that he would go on trial for all 12 charges against him, resulting in a longer prison sentence.