Caldwell Expressed Remorse in Court, but Bragged About Attack in Online Video
A Marine veteran, Daniel Caldwell, was sentenced to more than five years in prison after being caught on camera assaulting police officers with a chemical irritant on Jan. 6 during the insurrection at the US Capitol. Caldwell, who is 51 years old and from Texas, was arrested in February 2021 on six counts related to the riot and later pleaded guilty to one count of assaulting police officers with a deadly weapon.
During Wednesday's hearing, Caldwell expressed deep regret and remorse for his actions on Jan. 6. He offered a tearful apology to the police officers who were affected and to the judge, but US District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly remained firm in her decision, calling Caldwell an insurrectionist. The judge acknowledged the psychological and physical trauma that the police officers experienced, emphasizing the severity of Caldwell's actions.
Caldwell was sentenced to 68 months in prison and must pay $2,000 in restitution for the damage to the Capitol. So far, 978 people have been charged in connection with the attack on the Capitol, with over 470 pleading guilty. This sentence serves as a strong reminder of the consequences of participating in violent acts during a national crisis, and the importance of following the law and upholding peace and order.
