Crying Capitol Rioter Tells Judge He's Radioactive

 

     Robert Reeder has always stuck out as one of the more unique cases in the Capitol riot. The 55-year-old Maryland man was arrested in February after he was identified with his phone out videotaping the activities inside the Capitol building. Initially, he was not accused of violence or breaking property and said he was an "accidental tourist" who wound up there by accident. He claimed to identify as a Democrat, although he had been politically inactive for decades and "supported some of Donald Trump's policies" while "not caring" for either Hillary Clinton or Joe Biden. Hell, he wore a "MAGA" hat to the riot. 

     In August, an online group called Sedition Hunters, which seeks to make sure the disgraceful filth that participated in the Capitol riot face justice and never get to lead normal lives, published video that showed Reeder appearing to grab an officer by the shoulder or arm and push him to the side toward the crowd. Reeder had pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor trespass count in June after admitting to being in the building for half an hour or so and being tear gassed at least four times, but this act constitutes felony assault of a federal law enforcement officer. Reeder was scheduled to be sentenced just days later, but his sentencing was delayed after the video surfaced.

     On October 8th, he was sentenced to 90 days in federal prison (no early release because it is a federal sentence) with three years of supervised release and $500 in restitution. The prosecutors opted not to ruin a guilty plea to pursue a possible felony charge, which is lucky for Reeder. However, the posting of the Sedition Hunters video was not without its impact. Had he been sentenced before the video came out, he would have probably gotten probation. This video also proves that Reeder was not just "caught up in the moment" while making a "regrettable mistake," as he and his attorneys suggested. This is important for the history books and for ensuring Reeder is known for the scumbag he is.

     Robert Reeder actually sobbed at his sentencing while his brother spoke on his behalf and the judge noted he had no criminal history. He claimed that he was "radioactive," saying he had been fired after his arrest and that several attempts to find employment after that had fallen through when companies found out what he was charged with doing. It may be difficult for him to pay the restitution, after all.

     On an unrelated note, today is National Coming Out Day, and it marks a year since I came out on this website.