A US Federal Judge who sentenced many Trump supporters involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol riots suggests it might not be the last event of its kind.
U.S. District Judge Rudolph “Rudy” Contreras recently voiced his concern about the possibility of the former president inciting another riot in the near future.
Judge Rudy Sentences Geophysicist
Rudy sentenced several Trump supporters involved in the Jan.6 riots, including Jeffrey Sablo, a geophysicist from Colorado, per NBC News.
Sabol was sentenced to serve over five years in federal prison for the role he took during the violent protest, which saw several police officers injured.
The 2020 Election Was Stolen
During questioning with the FBI, Sabol mentioned several times that he thoroughly believed the 2020 election was stolen.
The geophysicist suggested numerous people had tampered with Dominion voting machines throughout the presidential election.
Jan 6. Rioter Claims He Was Filled With Patriotic Rage
Sabol stood by his decision to take part in the riots, claiming he was filled with “patriotic rage” on the day.
He claims a “call to battle was announced” and that he “answered the call because he was a patriot warrior,” per NBC News.
Rudy Foresees Another Violent Riot in the Aftermath of the 2024 Presidential Election
Contreras said Trump, alongside his allies, had motivated people like Sabol to launch the attack on the Capitol.
According to the federal judge, the former president may try to instigate another riot during the lead-up to this year’s presidential election or after it, should he lose.
Federal Judge Foresees Another Jan. 6 Riot
Contreras went on to say he wouldn’t be surprised if another event similar to Jan. 6 took place sometime in the next few months.
“It doesn’t take much imagination to imagine a similar call coming out in the coming months,” Contreras said in March.
Sabol Has Already Served Most of His Sentence
Sabol was seen assaulting numerous police officers during the Jan. 6 riots and has been held on pretrial since he was arrested on Jan. 11, 2021.
As a result, the geophysicist has already served more than half of his five-year sentence.
Jan. 6 Rioter Attempts to Flee the Country
Just before he was arrested, Sabol attempted to destroy his laptop by placing it in a microwave oven and went as far as to submerge his phone in water.
After this, he attempted to board a flight to Switzerland before being detained. At his sentencing, Contreras ordered the geophysicist to pay over $32,000 in restitution and said he would serve three years of supervised release.
Trump Issues a Call to Arms
People like Contreras are under the impression that Trump’s “will be wild” tweet that led to the Jan. 6 riots was essentially a call to arms for people like Sabol.
Hundreds of people have been convicted for the role they played during the riots, with many arguing their actions came as a result of Trump claiming the election was stolen.
Trump Should Be Held Accountable for Jan. 6, Says Federal Judges
Several federal judiciary members in Washington are under the impression that Trump should be held responsible for the events of Jan. 6.
Speaking at a separate trial, Contreras said that Trump and those who stood by his side should “bear responsibility for what occurred that day.”
Federal Judge Calls Out the Republican Party
In a previous Jan. 6 sentencing, Judge Amy Berman Jackson took aim at the Republican party for their role in the aftermath of the Jan 6. riots.
She said the Republican party was “actively shunning the few who think standing up for principle is more important than power and have stepped forward to educate the public and to speak the truth.”
The Election Lie Is Still Being Propagated
“The lie that the election was stolen or illegitimate is still being propagated,” said Jackson.
Indeed, it’s being amplified, not only on extremist social media sites but on mainstream news outlets.” She continued, “And worse, it’s become heresy for a member of the former president’s party to say otherwise.”
