David Dempsey, labeled as one of the most violent rioters during the January 6 insurrection, assaulted law enforcement and was sentenced to 20 years. His early release came after President Trump granted pardons to over 1,500 insurrectionists. This abrupt action surprised many, including attorneys like Amy Collins, who highlighted the surreal nature of the pardon process after extensive legal battles. The rapid release of these offenders underscores a significant turnaround in the legal situation surrounding the January 6 protests, affecting the long-term efforts of prosecutors.
Federal prosecutors described David Dempsey as "one of the most violent rioters" during the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
In August, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to assaulting a law enforcement officer with a dangerous weapon and breaching the seat of Congress.
Collins declined to comment on Dempsey's case, but said the pardon process - after years of litigation, plea bargaining and trials - has been "surreal" for the defendants and their attorneys alike.
The sudden release of so many Jan. 6 offenders marked a stunning end to years of grueling, costly work by federal prosecutors to identify, track down, prosecute and see sentenced hundreds of Trump supporters.
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