CRIME

First January 6 rioter to breach US Capitol is sentenced to more than 4 years in prison

Aug 27, 2024, 8:36 PM

Michael Sparks, the first rioter to enter the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, leaves federal court on Aug....

Michael Sparks, the first rioter to enter the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, leaves federal court on Aug. 27, 2024, in Washington. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP via CNN Newsource)

(Mark Schiefelbein/AP via CNN Newsource)

(CNN) — The man prosecutors say was the first rioter to enter the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, has been sentenced to 53 months behind bars.

Michael Sparks, from Kentucky, was convicted in March by a Washington, DC, jury on several counts, including disorderly conduct in the Capitol.

When Sparks breached the Capitol, prosecutors wrote in court filings before his sentencing Tuesday, it immediately set off “the forced interruption of the certification of the 2020 Electoral College vote count and threatening the peaceful transfer of power after the 2020 Presidential election.”

Utah man arrested for alleged involvement in riots at US Capitol

“One might say Sparks helped light the fire that day,” prosecutors continued, “using his preparation and planning — including his protective body armor — to steel himself against the officers attempting to hold back the mob.”

Sparks was part of the mob that rushed to the Senate wing door of the Capitol on January 6 and was the first to climb into the building through a window broken by another rioter.

Prosecutors also say that he called for a civil war in online posts and purchased a rifle in the days before the riot.

Two weeks before the riot, Sparks wrote online above an image of then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and then-Minority Leader of the Senate Chuck Schumer, “How about we the people drag you out by your face.”

KSL 5 TV Live

Crime

Friends and family leaving flowers and mementos in front of Heather Barela's photo....

Jacob Freeman

Charges brought against 15-year-old in Santa Clara murder case

Charges have officially been filed against a 15-year-old accused of killing a family member and wounding another in Santa Clara on Jan. 30.

4 hours ago

A tense day in the courtroom as a teen faces adult murder charges in a stabbing death that brings q...

Darby Sparks, KSL

Defense questions motive in Jordan High School teen stabbing death

A tense day in the courtroom as a teen faces adult murder charges in a stabbing death that brings questions of possible gang motive.

19 hours ago

Rubicon Contracting trucks parked in Bountiful on Dec. 5, 2023. Utah is asking for its case against...

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

Utah seeks dismissal of labor trafficking charges in lieu of federal investigation

The Utah Attorney General's Office is asking for state charges against a Davis County general contracting company accused of labor trafficking to be dismissed because of a pending federal investigation.

20 hours ago

On Wednesday a probation fugitive fled police leading to a high speed car chase involving several p...

Diana Jones

Multi-department car chase leads to capture of fugitive

ELWOOD, Utah — On Wednesday, a probation fugitive fled from police in a high-speed car chase that involved multiple police departments. At approximately 12:45 p.m., Weber County Adult Probation and Parole received a tip on the location of 24-year-old Brandler Stone. How he became a wanted person In Aug. 2024, Stone was sentenced to serve up […]

2 days ago

squad car SLCPD...

Michael Houck

Convicted felon accused of kidnapping and threatening a security guard

A man is being accused of threatening a security guard with a broken shard of glass and demanding he take him to a gas station.

2 days ago

Neil Gaiman arrives at the Art of Elysium Heaven Gala on Jan. 6, 2024, at The Wiltern Theater in Lo...

TODD RICHMOND

Woman’s lawsuits say sci-fi author Neil Gaiman repeatedly sexually assaulted her

A woman from New Zealand has filed three civil lawsuits accusing best-selling British author Neil Gaiman of repeatedly sexually assaulting her while she was working as his family’s babysitter and nanny.

3 days ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

First January 6 rioter to breach US Capitol is sentenced to more than 4 years in prison