Fugitive Sentence Follows Assault on Officers
A North Carolina man who fled after his conviction for assaulting police officers during the January 6th Capitol riot has been sentenced to six years in prison.
David Gietzen Convicted of Attacking Police
David Joseph Gietzen, 31, of Sanford, North Carolina, was found guilty by a jury in August 2023 on eight counts, including assault on law enforcement and civil disorder charges. The charges stemmed from his actions during the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 2021.
According to the judge, Gietzen’s continued belief in the false claim that the 2020 election was stolen from former President Trump played a role in his actions.
Fugitive Status Lengthens Sentence
Following his conviction, Gietzen failed to report to prison as ordered in October 2023. He also missed subsequent court hearings before finally being apprehended at his mother’s home in December 2023. Defense attorneys argued that Gietzen wasn’t actively hiding but simply waiting to be taken into custody.
Defense Seeks Lighter Sentence
Gietzen’s lawyers requested a four-year prison sentence.
Participation in Rally and Attack
Gietzen, along with his brother, traveled from North Carolina to attend then-President Trump’s “Stop the Steal” rally near the White House. They then joined the crowd that marched to the Capitol building. During the attack, Gietzen shoved a police officer, stole another officer’s gas mask, and struck a third officer with a pole.
