A Maryland police officer who was found guilty of hurling smoke bombs at officers manning the U.S. Capitol during the riots on January 6 will serve a year and a half in jail.
According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Justin Lee, 25, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, 12 months of supervised release, and $7,500 in restitution by U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden, who was appointed by Donald Trump. McFadden found Lee guilty of assaulting cops, trespassing, and disorderly conduct at a bench trial.
According to the Washington Post, McFadden referred to Lee’s actions as cowardly, but he also pointed out that his courageous actions on July 22, 2023, when he shot and killed an armed 19-year-old stabbing suspect in a shopping mall, were a significant mitigating element in his punishment.
According to the Post, McFadden, a former police officer, stated, “You know better than most people how wrong assaults on police officers are.”
McFadden rejected Lee’s assertion that he was merely attempting to make a message regarding police brutality after witnessing policemen use force against other rioters that day, as reported by Law&Crime in August.
According to The Associated Press, McFadden stated that no police officer should have to put up with these assaults and provocations.
On that day, Lee was among the many Trump supporters gathered at the Capitol, blocking the Electoral College vote’s certification. Surveillance footage showed him sporting a military-style medical pack with two side pockets and a gaiter-style Maryland flag face protection.
According to court documents, Lee set a smoke bomb on fire and threw it into the tunnel entrance on the Lower West Terrace of the Capitol, where a group of outnumbered police officers were attacked by a rioting throng. According to court filings, the device hit a Metropolitan Police Officer’s shield and spread smoke around the area.
After taking part in the uprising, Lee was hired as a Montgomery County Police Officer; however, he was suspended without pay after being arrested in October 2023 for his role in the Jan. 6 disturbance.
According to the agency, he applied for the position in July 2021, around six months after the events of January 6, and was hired on January 31, 2022. Lee was placed on administrative leave while he was a police officer for his role in the shooting death of a man carrying a knife. Lee was not charged in the shooting by the Maryland Attorney General’s office.
In July 2023, the police department found out that Lee was the focus of an FBI investigation while he was on administrative leave.
As part of its regular hiring procedure, the Montgomery County Police Department thoroughly investigates applicants’ backgrounds to make sure they are qualified for work, the news release stated. Since the Justice Department did not identify Lee in relation to the January 6 rebellion, his involvement in it was not found throughout this process.
The Washington Post said he was sacked last month, citing police.
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