Mocobizscene: A former California police chief, who participated in the siege at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, has been sentenced to over 11 years in prison. He brought a hatchet with him during the attack.
Alan Hostetter, who spread conspiracy theories throughout his trial and reiterated them during his sentencing hearing on Thursday, was convicted of several felony charges, including conspiracy, in July.
According to the Justice Department, Hostetter opted to drive from California to Washington, D.C. instead of flying in order to transport an arsenal of weapons in his car. Federal prosecutors revealed that he met with fellow individuals on the day of the attack and came prepared with various tactical gear, including a helmet, hatchets, knives, stun batons, pepper spray, and other equipment for both himself and others. Prior to heading to the Capitol, Hostetter attended the rally at the White House Ellipse, with a hatchet stowed away in his backpack, as disclosed by prosecutors.
He became part of a group that forcefully made their way past a line of police officers who were guarding a lower terrace on the west side of the Capitol. Upon reaching the upper level, Hostetter exclaimed, “The people have reclaimed their house. Today, hundreds of thousands of patriots have gathered to reclaim their government!”
During the arguments on Thursday, a representative from the Justice Department described Hostetter’s actions as those of a “terrorist” on January 6th. The prosecutor highlighted Hostetter’s remarks leading up to the attack, where he allegedly encouraged others to “choke that city off” and “fill it with patriots,” while also urging them to instill fear in members of Congress.
In a statement that lasted nearly an hour, Hostetter made a plea for leniency while expressing his belief that the 2020 election had been “stolen.” He also put forth a series of unfounded theories, including the claim that the events of January 6th were a “false flag” operation orchestrated by the federal government. Hostetter went on to allege the presence of “crisis actors” within the mob, suggesting that the government had deliberately orchestrated a “set-up” to entrap protesters, involving “hundreds, if not thousands” of people.
During the Republican debate in Alabama on Wednesday, Hostetter pointed out presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s statement referring to Jan. 6 as an “inside job.” Hostetter sees this comment as evidence that his beliefs are no longer considered as fringe theories.
Judge Royce Lamberth, who convicted Hostetter earlier this year, has now delivered one of the harshest sentences among the approximately 1,200 cases linked to the January 6 incident. Imposing a prison term of 135 months, Lamberth emphasized that “the First Amendment does not grant anyone the privilege to obstruct, hinder, or bring weapons into restricted areas.”
During his extensive court statement, Hostetter also mentioned Ashli Babbitt, a member of the riotous mob who was fatally shot by the police while attempting to climb through a window close to the House chamber, where Congress members were trapped. Hostetter expressed doubt regarding Babbitt’s actual death and claimed that the reports of her demise are part of a “psyop.”
Babbitt’s mother was present in the court, observing Hostetter’s hearing. In an interview with CBS News, she expressed her deep offense at Hostetter’s words but voiced her disagreement with the severity of the sentence, considering it to be excessive.
In early January, Hostetter is set to report to federal prison, coinciding with the three-year anniversary of the Capitol siege. Despite his conviction, he plans to appeal the decision.
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