Thread by @MacFarlaneNews

STANDBY: Sentencing begins momentarily in misdemeanor Jan 6 case of Matthew Mazzocco of Texas

Feds accused him of posting "The capital is ours!" on social media

In other misdemeanor sentencings last week, multiple defendants argued they were "caught up in the moment."

Mazzocco pleaded guilty to "unlawful picketing"
Feds seek 3 months home confinement. They credit early guilty plea. They flag his decision to take a selfie amid the mayhem. And they argue he knew there was "potential for violence" on Jan 6

Federal prosecutor tells judge: "Any case associated with the January 6th riot... incarceration is appropriate"

"No rioter acted in a vacuum"

She says probation "undervalues" what happened Jan 6. Probation can't be "norm"

Feds are recommending *home detention* in this case

Federal prosecutor tells judge "punitive" measures are needed to send a message of deterrence

She's arguing against probation as a sentence in this misdemeanor case.

Prosecutors says Mazzocco saw the mayhem, saw the "sea of people"... "He posted a photo in front of the building saying the Capitol is ours"

Prosecutor just told judge:

"He knew the people were there... to take the Capitol under their control... to stop our democracy"

(Amazing statement to hear in a misdemeanor criminal case)

Feds credit Mazzocco with being one of the first ten Jan 6 defendants to accept responsibility. He's getting credit for early plea deal, which saves the federal government "resources"

Defense lawyer says Mazzocco is too nervous to speak in court today. So he wrote a letter his attorney will read.

"My decision to enter into the Capitol was one of the most foolish and impulsive decisions I've made in my life"

Mazzocco letter (More)

"I support the police"

"I see the country I loved divided like never before".. then acknowledges role in it

"I've received countless death threats... harassing phone calls"

Mazzocco, in his letter to court, called his actions "impulsive"

He says the threats, calls, mail he's been receiving has been burden for him and his family

"I hope you find it in your heart to offer leniency in your sentencing"

Defense lawyer, "Mr. Mazzocco is more remorseful than any other defendant I've represented... and this is a... misdemeanor"

"Each person should be sentenced according to the individuals.. and Mr. Mazzocco .. had no ill intent in his heart"

Defense lawyer says Mazzocco has lost his job.

Defense: "The fallout was massive for him, as well it should be for anyone who acted with such disregard for democracy that day"

But she argues Mazzocco urged others not to damage, steal

Mazzocco is speaking now, "The letter I wrote you is from the bottom of my heart. I'm truly sorry for my actions that day. It's taken a toll on me... I made a big mistake"

"I'd like to apologize to the country"

Judge is speaking now

"That mob was trying to overthrow the government"
"They fought law enforcement who were outnumbered"
"They broke down doors and barriers"
"They soiled and defaced the halls of the Capitol.. that was no mere protest"

Judge: "There are some people who have compared the riot of January 6 with other protests that have taken place across the country...... I flatly disagree"

Judge: "The majority of the rioters, including Mr. Mazzocco, were allowed to leave the scene of the crime unarrested and unharmed"

She's underscoring disparities in Jan 6 cases and other DC criminal cases

Judge is now focusing on Mazzocco's argument that he was "impulsive" on Jan 6

Judge: "That was not the case..... he came on a plane... he got to the Capitol and seeing the disorder... he then decides to go inside"

!! This judge is making a pointed statement about the argument (by a growing number of defendants) who said they were impulsive.. She's not having it. Then says:

"He went to the Capitol in support of one man.. not in support of our country."

Judge: "Mr Mazzocco's remorse didn't come when he left that Capitol... it came when he realized he was in trouble"

Judge: "The country is watching to see what the consequences are" from Jan 6

(Reporter's note: That is unequivocally true)

Judge Tanya Chulkin says probation will not be sufficient.. considering "the gravity of the offenses on January 6"

(Other misdemeanor "unlawful picketing" jan 6 defendants *did* get probation from other judges)

ALERT: Judge sentences Matthew Mazzocco to 45 days in prison .... in "unlawful picketing/parading" guilty plea in US Capitol breach case

This is a breakthrough. "Unlawful picketing" has been boiler plate misdemeanor plea deal. Mazzocoo is 1st to get prison sentence