On Wednesday, a member of a far-right militia group was sentenced to five years in prison for his involvement in the storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Dan Edwin Wilson, an electrician from Kentucky, had been planning the attack for weeks, according to federal prosecutors.
During his sentencing hearing, Wilson expressed regret for his actions and claimed that he had “good intentions” when he entered the Capitol that day. He stated that he believed the country was in turmoil, and he still believes that to be true. However, U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich made it clear that there was no question that Wilson intended to interfere with the congressional certification of President Joe Biden’s electoral victory over former President Donald Trump.
Wilson pleaded guilty in May to conspiring to impede or injure police officers and illegally possessing firearms. He had communicated with members of the far-right Oath Keepers extremist group and the antigovernment Three Percenters movement as he marched towards the Capitol. Prosecutors revealed that Wilson was a member of both groups and played an active role in planning the attack.
One of Wilson’s co-defendants, David Scott Kuntz, is still awaiting trial after pleading not guilty to Capitol riot charges. He organized a Telegram group called “Coalition of the Unknown,” which included Three Percenters from different militia groups. Wilson was an active participant in this group, using the username “Live Wire.”
In a message on November 9, 2020, Wilson wrote, “I’m willing to do whatever. Done made up my mind. I understand the tip of the spear will not be easy. I’m willing to sacrifice myself if necessary. Whether it means prison or death.” This statement, along with his involvement in planning the attack, led prosecutors to recommend a five-year prison sentence for Wilson.
Wilson and Kuntz traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend Trump’s “Stop the Steal” rally near the White House on January 6. Wilson’s defense attorney, Norm Pattis, claimed that his client believed the presidential election had been stolen from Trump. However, prosecutors argued that Wilson’s intention was to use violence to keep Trump in the White House.
Pattis stated that Wilson did not plan an insurrection but instead “appeared at a protest and was swept up in events that turned violent.” However, prosecutors disagreed, stating that Wilson had actively sought out violence and organized others to join him in his violent aims.
As he approached the Capitol, Wilson used the Zello app to communicate with other members of a group called “STOP THE STEAL J6” and provide updates on the unfolding riot. He was heard saying, “Hey, pass the word, Badlands, as fast as you can. The people are pushing on the Capitol. We need hands on deck.”
Wilson was wearing a gas mask when he entered the Capitol through a door on the Upper West Terrace. He even took a selfie of himself flashing a Three Percenters hand sign while inside the building. Photos also show him carrying what appeared to be a can of bear spray.
Prosecutors stated that Wilson’s crime was not just an attack on the Capitol but also on the United States and its system of government. They described it as a “blow to a central feature of the American system: the peaceful transfer of power.” They also revealed that when law enforcement searched Wilson’s home, they found six firearms and approximately 4,800 rounds of ammunition, which he was not legally allowed to possess due to his criminal record.
Wilson’s sentencing comes as more than 1,400 people have been charged with Capitol riot-related federal crimes. Of those, approximately 950 have been convicted and sentenced, with two-thirds receiving prison terms ranging from a few days to 22 years.
The events of January 6, 2021, were a dark moment in American history, and the sentencing of Dan Edwin Wilson serves as a reminder that those responsible for inciting and participating in the violence will be held accountable. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of our democracy that justice is being served, and the peaceful transfer of power continues to be upheld.
As we move forward, it is crucial to remember that our country is built on the principles of democracy and unity, not violence and division. Let us learn from this experience and work towards a better future for all Americans.
