US construction worker sentenced to 5 years in prison over ‘big role’ in Jan 6 Capitol riot

An Iowa construction worker who stormed the US Capitol building on January 6, 2021, was given a five-year prison term for his part in the attempt to obstruct the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. Douglas Jensen, of Des Moines, Iowa, was charged with eluding law enforcement, rallying supporters, and carrying a three-inch blade during the attack.

He was found guilty of all seven felonies he was charged with, including obstructing an official proceeding and assaulting, restraining, or obstructing a law enforcement officer, in September. US District Court Judge Timothy Kelly emphasised the "big role" Jensen played in the fatal attack by a mob of former President Donald Trump's supporters during his sentence hearing on Friday. As part of his sentence, Jensen was also given a $2,000 fine and three years of probation.



The justice department has made 900 arrests since the January 6 riot, including Douglas Jensen. The Department estimates that out of the 470 guilty pleas to federal charges, 185 criminals have already been sentenced to jail time. The attack on the Capitol occurred following Democrat Joe Biden's election victory over Republican incumbent Trump, who falsely claimed the 2020 presidential election was marred by widespread fraud.

According to the Justice Department, Jensen received a text message informing him of the impending certification, to which he replied, "That's all about to change," followed by a winking emoji.
The Justice Department claims he was the tenth person to illegally enter the building.
According to department estimates, upwards of 2,000 people had flooded into the Capitol by the end of the day.
In a brief remark at his Friday sentencing, Jensen identified himself as a "family man" and expressed a desire to go back to "my normal life before I got involved in politics." At his own trial, he declined to give testimony.

FAQ:

1. What was Douglas Jensen charged for?
   Doug Jensen of Des Moines was sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty by a jury in Washington, D.C., of seven federal crimes related to his involvement in the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
2. How many arrests were made in the January 6 riots?
   The justice department has made 900 arrests since the January 6 riot, including Douglas Jensen. The Department estimates that out of the 470 guilty pleas to federal charges, 185 criminals have already been sentenced to jail time.