On January 6, the Capitol building was surrounded by a mob of people that were there to support former president Donald Trump.
Among them was Joseph Biggs, an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran who had earned two purple hearts while serving in the military.
Now he stands convicted of walking into the Capitol Building for approximately 20 minutes and has been sentenced to 17 years in prison.
The government had requested 33 years for Mr. Biggs’ crime, but Judge Timothy Kelly instead chose to sentence him far less harshly than that.
He noted that prior offenders found guilty of seditious conspiracy had all committed more violent crimes like murder, attempted bombings or attempted mass killings which resulted in massive casualties.
Yet somehow a man who simply shook a fence is being handed a sentence that is longer than what these criminals received?
Biggs’ mother is ill with cancer while at the same time taking care of her son’s 6 year old daughter alone.
Although she wanted to attend court proceedings or visit her son while he’s incarcerated, it puts her job at risk since many employers view J6 defendants as terrorists due to their association with them.
This means she can not support herself or her granddaughter – making it even harder for them during this difficult time.
Suzzanne Monk – an advocate turned court reporter with AMP News – has attended nearly every day of trials alongside reporters.
She believes that Judge Kelly’s decision threatens constitutional principles and will only lead to further division within our nation rather than peace amongst us all.
Monk also added that Joe Biggs should be seen as a hero instead of villain and does not deserve any punishment for his actions whatsoever, which she believes will ultimately be overturned through appeals or congressional action someday soon anyway.
