Shane Jenkins, a Texas man who attacked the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021, siege, has been sentenced to seven years in prison. Jenkins, 46, attempted to break a Capitol window with a metal tomahawk and threw makeshift weapons at police officers during the riot. He is now the face of a website selling merchandise that portrays jailed rioters as “political prisoners.” The website, which sells Jan. 6-themed slogans and merchandise, also commemorates Jenkins’ own role in the riot.
Prosecutors stated that they do not know the exact amount of money Jenkins has generated from the website’s merchandise sales, but he has collected over $118,000 in donations through another fundraising site. They argued that Jenkins has used his status from the January 6 incident to build a brand and gain attention and money.
During the sentencing, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta criticized Jenkins for capitalizing on his role in the riot, calling it “shameful.” The judge also rejected the notion that Jenkins and other jailed rioters are political prisoners who cannot receive a fair trial, stating that the evidence is captured on video.
Jenkins expressed remorse for his actions, claiming that he got caught up in the heat of the moment and that he loves the country. Prosecutors had recommended a prison sentence of 19 years and eight months, along with a fine equal to the amount Jenkins has publicly raised. However, the judge denied their request for a fine and refused to impose a “terrorism” enhancement that would have increased Jenkins’ sentencing guidelines.
Jenkins was convicted in March on charges including civil disorder and obstructing the joint session of Congress that certified Joe Biden’s presidential election victory over Donald Trump. Prosecutors argued that Jenkins played a pivotal role in the attack, as he was the first to attack a window at the Capitol, crossing a line that had not been crossed before.
Jenkins’ defense attorney claimed that his actions were motivated by a misunderstanding about the election and that he knows he was wrong. The defense also highlighted Jenkins’ tumultuous upbringing and a previous incident where he shot and killed his stepfather in self-defense.
In July, Jenkins and 11 other inmates at the Washington jail assaulted another Capitol riot defendant, Taylor Taranto, in a TV room. Prosecutors stated that Taranto had made derogatory remarks about Ashli Babbitt, the rioter who was fatally shot by a police officer inside the Capitol, and Babbitt’s mother.
Overall, Jenkins’ sentencing highlights the consequences faced by individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack and the ongoing debate surrounding the treatment of the rioters.
