A federal judge on Friday reduced the prison sentence of Marc Bru, a participant in the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot, from six years to five. The reduction came after a Supreme Court ruling necessitated the dismissal of one of Bru’s felony charges.
Bru, 44, was convicted on seven charges for his role in the riot, including pushing a barricade into police officers and entering the Senate gallery with a hand gesture associated with the Proud Boys extremist group. His sentence reduction follows a tumultuous legal journey marked by disruptive courtroom behavior and defiant remarks.
Disruptive Behavior Draws Judge’s Rebuke
During his initial sentencing hearing in January, Bru berated Chief Judge James Boasberg, calling him a “clown” and a “fraud.” He referred to the proceedings as a “kangaroo court” and stated he would “do it all over again.”
“In my 22 years as a judge, I’ve never seen a defendant say the things he said at sentencing,” Boasberg remarked during the resentencing. Despite his past conduct, Bru refrained from further insults at the recent hearing.
Bru, who represented himself with standby counsel, described his incarceration as an “eye-opener” but claimed extending his sentence would not serve as a deterrent.
Impact of Supreme Court Ruling
Bru’s resentencing stemmed from a June Supreme Court decision narrowing the scope of a federal obstruction law. The court ruled that obstruction charges require proof of intent to tamper with or destroy documents—criteria that didn’t apply to Bru’s actions.
The ruling reduced Bru’s sentencing guidelines from 70–87 months to 18–24 months. Prosecutors, however, argued that his behavior during and after the riot warranted a longer sentence.
Post-Riot Plans and Additional Charges
Prosecutors presented evidence of Bru’s plans for a second insurrection in Portland, Oregon, which they labeled “January 6 2.0.” Bru’s legal troubles extended beyond the Capitol riot; he faced charges for drunk driving in Idaho and Montana and skipped court hearings while boasting on social media about evading law enforcement.
A Divisive Chapter in U.S. Legal History
The sentencing reductions and ongoing prosecutions of Jan. 6 participants underscore the complexities of addressing the Capitol riot. Bru’s case highlights both the challenges in maintaining courtroom decorum and the evolving legal interpretations of the charges faced by rioters.
