Former GOP lawmaker slapped with prison sentence for rioting at Capitol on Jan 6

A former West Virginia lawmaker who participated in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol has been sentenced to prison, NBC News reports.

Just a few weeks before the riot, Derrick Evans was sworn in as a Republican state delegate. He was arrested and charged on Jan. 7, 2021 and pleaded guilty in March. According to court records, he livestreamed his activities at the Capitol that day on Facebook.

From NBC News:

Several of Evans’ supporters in his legal case downplayed his conduct on Jan. 6 and even indicated they too believed in Trump’s lies about the 2020 election. Evans, one supporter wrote in a letter to the judge, rushed the Capitol “as a form of peaceful protest” and was there “with the greatest of intentions.” One letter credited him with “showing up to show support” at the U.S. Capitol. Another supporter described him as a role model. “America would be a much better place to live if there were more people as passionate and caring as Derrick Evans,” wrote another supporter.

Prosecutors say Evans cheered on rioters and told his Facebook followers, “The revolution has started!”Speaking to the judge, his attorney said the ordeal “has been a humbling experience for him” and pointed out that he’s no longer allowed to own a gun. Evans himself also told the judge that he regretted his actions and let down his family.

“I can’t just give you probation in a case like this,” Judge Royce C. Lamberth told him, adding that he thinks Evans could “live a good life again” after prison.

Sky Palma

Before launching DeadState back in 2012, Sky Palma has been blogging about politics, social issues and religion for over a decade. He lives in Los Angeles and also enjoys Brazilian jiu jitsu, chess, music and art.