Lewis Wayne Snoots, a 59-year-old man, has been sentenced to nearly six years in prison for his involvement in the violent January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. He pleaded guilty to assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
What Happened to Officer Michael Fanone?
Officer Michael Fanone, who was brutally attacked during the riot, attended Snoots’ sentencing. The assault left Fanone with a heart attack and a traumatic brain injury... Continue reading here ▶
Speaking about the attack, Fanone said, “The hardest part is living with the betrayal of my country.” He also revealed that he and his family have faced threats and harassment since the event.
Details of the Assault
The government’s sentencing memo describes Snoots’ actions as some of the most egregious that day. Prosecutors said Snoots played a key role in helping other rioters drag Officer Fanone into the mob, where the officer was tased, beaten, and threatened with his own gun.
Rioters shouted, “Kill him!” as they tried to overpower Fanone, leaving him unconscious for over two minutes. Prosecutors argued Snoots used his hands to restrain Fanone’s arm, preventing the officer from defending himself.
Snoots’ Defense
Snoots’ lawyer, William Shipley, sought probation for his client, claiming Snoots had minimal involvement. “He was in the tunnel for about five minutes and had momentary contact with Officer Fanone,” Shipley wrote. The defense argued that Snoots’ actions didn’t directly cause injuries to the officer.
However, video evidence showed Snoots actively assisting the mob. At one point, he passed a stolen police shield to other rioters, who continued to use it against officers. Prosecutors emphasized that his actions were part of the violent chaos in one of the most intense areas of the Capitol that day.
Snoots’ Own Words
After the attack, Snoots recorded a video expressing his anger, saying, “I’m fed up with it, everybody is fed up with it… but it’s not over. What they don’t understand is it’s just starting.”
Sentencing and Possible Pardon
Snoots was sentenced to 71 months in prison by Judge Dabney L. Friedrich. While the sentence represents accountability for his role in the violence, the future remains uncertain.
President-elect Donald Trump, who has promised to pardon January 6th rioters, is set to take office soon. This has raised questions about whether Snoots and others convicted might be granted clemency.
The sentencing highlights the serious consequences for those involved in the January 6th attack.
Officer Fanone and others who were injured that day continue to call for accountability and justice, even as political discussions about pardons loom.
For now, Snoots faces years behind bars, but his fate could change depending on future presidential actions.
