Second Jan. 6 Rioter Pleads Guilty To Assaulting Brian Sicknick

Topline

A New Jersey man pleaded guilty Thursday to two felony counts for pepper spraying Capitol Police, including officer Brian Sicknick, during the January 6 riot, becoming the second rioter to plead guilty to attacking Sicknick, who died a day after the riot.

Key Facts

Key Background

The D.C. chief medical examiner ruled that Sicknick died of natural causes after suffering strokes, and prosecutors did not allege Khater’s actions led to the officer’s death. Despite the ruling, Capitol Police officially note that Sicknick “died in the line of duty, courageously defending Congress and the Capitol,” with the attack on him often invoked as an example of the brazen violence of the day. Khater can be heard on video of the riot telling Tanios to “give me that bear s—-” before attacking police, referring to bear spray and pepper spray the two carried during the riot. Tanios’ sentencing is set for December 6. Prosecutors are recommending he face no more than a year in prison.

Tangent

Kellye SoRelle, an attorney representing the right-wing militia Oath Keepers, was arrested Thursday and charged with several counts relating to the January 6 attack, including conspiracy to obstruct a joint session of Congress.

Further Reading

Oath Keepers Lawyer Arrested On January 6-Related Charges (Forbes)

2 Indicted For Spraying Officer Sicknick With Chemicals—But Not For Killing Him (Forbes)

Man Accused Of Assaulting Officer Brian Sicknick In Jan. 6 Riot Pleads Guilty To Misdemeanors (Forbes)