Michael Foy, a Trump supporter who believed lies about the 2020 election, was sentenced to over 3 years in prison for assaulting law enforcement with a hockey stick during the January 6th attack on the Capitol.
Federal prosecutors had sought over 8 years, but Judge Tanya Chutkan said that was unreasonable given factors like Foy’s military service.
“This isn’t a hockey town,” Chutkan quipped.
Foy had been present in Detroit where Trump supporters harassed poll workers, and his attorney said his family strongly supported Trump and bought into election lies, making him susceptible.
While deterrence was important, his attorney argued a lengthy sentence wouldn’t stop future rioters if prominent figures continue spreading lies.
“Not a day goes by where I didn’t say to myself, ‘I’m not going to let you down,'” Foy said.
Chutkan avoided discussion of Trump’s culpability but said what happened on January 6th was terrifying and there must be significant consequences to prevent future violence from political lies.
“I’ve seen so many people before me who never lifted a hand in violence before Jan. 6,” Chutkan said. “There have to be significant consequences.”
She sentenced Foy to 40 months.