Barnett maintained his defiance throughout a lawsuit earlier this yr through which he lied in regards to the circumstances of the picture and plenty of of his actions on the Capitol. In social media posts as lately as final week, he criticized federal prosecutors as demon-possessed Cretans [sic]” and referred to as the policemen who have been within the Capitol that day thugs.
In January, a federal jury discovered Barnett responsible of 4 felonies, together with obstruction of a proper listening to, and 4 misdemeanors. Barnett smuggled a cane with a 950,000-volt stun system into the Capitol together with a 10-pound steel flagpole and threatened police with it, prosecutors stated, however didn’t assault any officers. Prosecutors demanded that Barnett be sentenced to seven years in jail.
Barnett, 63, is a retired firefighter and former bull rider from Gravett, Arkansas. Prosecutors stated he had been getting ready for his journey to Washington for a number of weeks, posting remarks in regards to the deliberate go to akin to: “I will not surrender simply, [I’ll do] All that’s wanted. Every thing you want.” He additionally shared a digital flyer selling Operation Occupy the Capitol, titled “Reclaim Our Nation from Corrupt Politicians.”
One week earlier than Jan. On December 6, Barnett additionally bought a ZAP Hike ‘n Strike 950,000 volt tenting employees, a stun gun hidden within the cane, investigators discovered. Jan. On February 4, 2021, shortly after Barnett arrived in Washington, D.C., he started boasting about urinating on fireplace hydrants within the metropolis to “mark our territory,” prosecutors stated. Jan night. On August 5, Barnett demonstrated Hike ‘n Strike’s electroshock capabilities at his resort’s bar, ensuing within the bar’s closure, in response to court docket information.
The following day Jan. On January 6, Barnett attended a “Cease theft” rally headlined by then-President Donald Trump after which proceeded to the Capitol, filming him harassing and harassing a bunch of law enforcement officials, prosecutors stated. Barnett entered by the east aspect and later claimed he was pressured there by the mob. Prosecutors famous that the video footage confirmed Barnett maneuvering into the middle of the group, not making an attempt to go away the group, however “when the chance offered itself, he entered the Capitol,” Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alison B. Prout and Michael M. Gordon wrote.
Barnett quickly discovered his solution to Pelosi’s residence and sat down at an worker’s desk, apparently considering it was Pelosi’s desk. He discovered an empty envelope with Pelosi’s digital signature and stole it, resulting in a conviction for theft of presidency property. Barnett stated he left 1 / 4, thus softening the theft.
Barnett testified that he positioned his shoe on the desk after two photographers informed him to “sit down and act pure” whereas taking the image. LIE. Neither was requested to testify.
Barnett then determined to go away a be aware for Pelosi, writing, “Nancy, Bigo was right here, bitch.” At his trial, Barnett expressed remorse over his actions in workplace.
“I in all probability should not have put my ft on the desk,” Barnett testified. And my tongue… I am a Christian. It simply wasn’t good. It wasn’t who I’m.” He informed jurors that he would personally apologize to Pelosi if he may.
Barnett left Pelosi’s workplace when the Capitol police arrived, however quickly realized he forgot his flagpole. He tried to return for it, however was confronted by D.C. Police Officer Terrence Craig, who verified that Barnett had tasered him after which gestured for extra rioters to overwhelm the police line.
Barnett left the Capitol about half-hour after coming into. He then joined the group outdoors, the place he proudly displayed an envelope he took from Pelosi’s workplace and inspired others to enter the constructing, prosecutors stated.
