The Metropolitan Police Department officer was attacked by Peter Francis Stager, who struck him at least three times with a flagpole while other rioters dragged the officer headfirst into the crowd outside the Capitol.
Peter Francis Stager, a 44-year-old truck driver from Conway, Arkansas, was handed a prison sentence of over four years on Monday for assaulting a police officer with an American flag during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot
This incident resulted in the officer sustaining bruises, adding to the injuries suffered by over 100 police officers during the riot. The sentence of four years and four months was given by Judge Rudolph Contreras after Peter Francis Stager pleaded guilty in February to the felony charge of assaulting a police officer with a dangerous weapon. Prosecutors had initially recommended a longer prison term of six years and six months.
According to the Justice Department‘s statement of facts, the uniformed officer was attempting to prevent the mob from breaching the Capitol when he was dragged down the stairs and subjected to multiple strikes to the head and body by Peter Francis Stager and others. One officer, who was seriously injured, was also dragged into the mob and beaten after Peter Francis Stager screamed profanities at him.
Video evidence showed Peter Francis Stager making chilling statements, declaring that death was the only remedy for the Capitol law enforcement officers. He later claimed he mistook the officer he attacked for an ANTIFA member, but the evidence proved otherwise.
Peter Francis Stager’s violent actions occurred during a particularly intense confrontation between rioters and police guarding an entrance to the Capitol building
Peter Francis Stager, who had been in Washington, D.C., for work and stayed overnight to attend the “Stop the Steal” rally by then-President Donald Trump, expressed regret for his actions.
The Capitol riot led to more than 1,000 people being charged with federal crimes, with many pleading guilty or being convicted and sentenced to various terms of imprisonment. Peter Francis Stager’s co-defendants in the tunnel battle have also faced legal consequences for their actions.
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