Speaker 1 (00:00):
Right now, you’re looking at new video of Richard Barnett leaving the federal courthouse in D.C. tonight. The Gravette man had no comment about the sentence handed down by a judge today for his role in the January 6th insurrection on the US Capitol. Barnett, a retired firefighter, will return to northwest Arkansas before serving four-and-a-half years in federal prison. 5NEWS reporter Kathryn Gilker spoke with a reporter who was inside the courtroom for today’s sentencing. She’s here now with his perspective, all new at 6:00. Kathryn.
Kathryn Gilker (00:31):
Jordan Fischer, an investigative reporter at our D.C. sister station tells me the judge took Richard Barnett to task today. The judge told Barnett, seen here with his feet on the desk of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, that he enjoyed the notoriety of his role on January 6th. A jury convicted Barnett back in January on eight criminal counts, including civil disorder and remaining in a restricted building with a dangerous weapon. The sentence handed down was much shorter than what the prosecution asked for.
(01:00)
During Wednesday’s sentencing phase in D.C. federal court, the prosecutor opened by saying Barnett’s crimes weren’t just hurt feelings or a harmless prank. Prosecutors say Barnett characterizes himself as the victim, not the police, or members of Congress, or their staff. Jordan Fischer, an investigative reporter at our D.C. sister station, was inside the packed courtroom, saying The judge gave Barnett an enhancement to his sentence for lying on the stand at his trial. Barnett did speak before learning his fate.
Jordan Fischer (01:30):
Once again, blamed police for instigating rioters. He acknowledged that he was angry, but he denied doing the things he was convicted of. And he said that he didn’t think it was fair for the government to chide him for his lack of remorse, because he didn’t believe that he was guilty of the things that they had accused him of. He said, “What should I be remorseful for?”
Kathryn Gilker (01:50):
The prosecutor says the famous photo of Barnett with his feet on a desk in former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office didn’t make Barnett famous, but that his actions made the photo famous. Prosecutors say Barnett encouraged others to participate in the riot. Fischer says, at the end of the sentencing hearing, it’s very common for the defense attorney to request what prison their client should be placed at, which is typically close to their home.
Jordan Fischer (02:16):
He had a lot of reasons why he wanted him placed at a facility in South Dakota, one of which was that they train dogs there, which Barnett thought he would enjoy. And the judge had an interesting comment today. He told him, “Picking a prison ain’t like picking a hotel.” You don’t normally list off the amenities you want. You kind of just get placed where you get placed.
Kathryn Gilker (02:37):
… didn’t say exactly when Barnett will be heading to prison. But for now, he is allowed to travel from Washington D.C. back home to Gravette. Kathryn Gilker, 5NEWS.