WASHINGTON — A federal judge in Washington sentenced a man involved in the January 6 Capitol riots to more than four and a half years in prison on Thursday for assaulting law enforcement officers during the attack. Anthony Mastanduno, 61, known to online followers as “Shield Grampy,” had previously admitted guilt to nine criminal charges in March, a pivotal month that was supposed to see former Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump commence his trial over similar allegations connected to the attack.
The sentencing of Mastanduno unfolds as Trump’s own legal battle remains on hold. The Supreme Court is currently reviewing claims of immunity made by Trump, who, unlike Mastand in a, has not faced immediate incarceration. Amid these proceedings, Trump appeared at a debate with President Joe Biden Thursday night, showcasing the contrasting circumstances between the two cases linked by the events of the same day.
Prosecutors had advocated for a longer sentence of six years for Mastanduno, underscoring the gravity of his actions, which they described as “participating in some of the worst violence inflicted upon law enforcement officers” during the riot. A particular moment cited involved the Lower West Terrace Tunnel where Mastanduno and others clashed violently with police.
The emotional toll on officers subjected to the violence was highlighted in court proceedings. One officer, assaulted by Mastanduno, spoke of the lasting trauma, describing January 6 as a “horrific” and “life-changing” day. The officer’s testimony detailed enduring difficulties with sleep and a shaken sense of trust in others.
In defense, arguments were made referencing Mastanduno’s past service as a volunteer firefighter and his tenure in the Marine Corps, including mentions of personal health challenges, although details of these were heavily redacted in court documents.
The January 6 attack has led to an extensive legal crackdown. To date, federal prosecutors have charged over 1,400 individuals, securing convictions against more than 1,000. Sentences have varied, with more than 540 people receiving jail terms ranging from several days to a historic 22 years handed down to a Proud Boys leader convicted of seditious conspiracy.
The repercussions of the Capitol riots continue to ripple through the U.S. judiciary system, shaping an ongoing narrative about duty, violence, and the sanctity of democratic institutions.