Trump Supporter Who Vandalized Capitol with Tomahawk Axe Receives 7-Year Sentence
In a significant development related to the January 6th Capitol riot, a Donald Trump supporter known as “Skullet” was sentenced to seven years in federal prison. Shane Jenkins, who gained notoriety for smashing a Capitol window with a tomahawk axe and engaging in violent confrontations with law enforcement officers, faced justice on Friday.
The Conviction and Sentencing
Jenkins faced a slew of charges and was found guilty of nine criminal counts in March. These charges included felony civil disorder, obstruction of an official proceeding, assaulting, resisting, or impeding an officer using a dangerous weapon, and destruction of government property. The severity of these charges put him at risk of a lengthy prison sentence.
The Lengthy Sentence Request
The federal government had initially sought a sentence of more than 19 years for Jenkins, which would have been one of the longest sentences handed down in any January 6th case. To provide context, the longest sentence thus far was handed to Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys, who received 22 years in federal prison after being convicted of seditious conspiracy.
Defense and Prosecution Arguments
Jenkins’ defense attorney characterized January 6th as “one of the saddest episodes in American history.” He pointed out that there are still individuals who propagate the false claim that Trump won the election, with Donald Trump himself being a prominent figure in this narrative.
On the other hand, the government argued that Jenkins’ conduct was “egregious” and that he had planned for violent insurrection well in advance of his arrival in Washington, D.C. The prosecution highlighted Jenkins’ lack of remorse and his acceptance of political violence as concerning factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Perri raised an important question during the sentencing hearing: “What happens if his preferred candidate gets convicted of something?” He referred to the ongoing criminal cases against former President Donald Trump, emphasizing the need to safeguard the country’s democratic future.
The Influence of Misinformation
Jenkins’ defense attorney Dennis Boyle emphasized how Trump had promoted a “legal fiction” that Vice President Mike Pence could overturn the election results. He argued that individuals like Jenkins were particularly susceptible to Trump’s misinformation and propaganda.
Troubled Past
Before his sentencing, Jenkins opened up about his troubled childhood, revealing that his life started to unravel when he learned he was adopted. He admitted to struggling with substance abuse after being involved in a fatal gunfight with his stepfather at the age of 20, although he maintained that he acted in self-defense and was not charged.
Additional Incidents
In a troubling turn of events, the Justice Department also reported that Jenkins had participated in an attack on another January 6th defendant, Taylor Taranto, on July 10th. Taranto, who was arrested outside of former President Barack Obama’s residence, was assaulted by a group of inmates in their pod. This attack was allegedly triggered by derogatory comments made by Taranto about Ashli Babbitt and her mother.
The Ongoing Fallout
Since the Capitol attack 33 months ago, more than 1,100 participants have been arrested, with approximately 660 already sentenced, including nearly 400 individuals who have received prison sentences.
The sentencing of Shane Jenkins serves as another chapter in the aftermath of the January 6th Capitol riot, highlighting the legal consequences individuals face for their actions during that tumultuous event.
