Convicted Jan. 6 Rioter Demands 'Accountability' for Politicians Who Spread 2020 Election Lies

During his sentencing, a Minnesota man convicted for his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack emphasized the need for ‘accountability’ from politicians who propagated election fraud lies.

Politicians’ Role in Capitol Chaos

Brian Mock, who received a 33-month federal prison sentence, significantly less than the nine years sought by prosecutors, criticized these politicians.

Trump Supporter Questions Politicians

Despite his strong support for Donald Trump, Mock highlighted the absence of apologies or admissions of being misled by those politicians who fueled the claims leading up to the attack.

Responsibility for Actions

In his conversation with Chief U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, Mock emphasized the importance of ‘accountability’ for his actions, claiming his presence at the Capitol was a direct result of believing those falsehoods.

Judge Criticizes ‘Idiot’ Defense

Judge Boasberg echoed the sentiment, stating that politicians who falsely claimed the election was stolen should feel ‘ashamed.’ He noted that many Jan. 6 defendants have resorted to the ‘idiot’ defense, arguing they were misled due to naivety or lack of critical thinking.

Still, he found Mock to be notably intelligent and contemplative, setting him apart from other defendants he had encountered.

Too Smart for Lies?

Judge Boasberg challenged Mock’s judgment, stating, “You’re too smart to have been fooled by the lies on the election,” emphasizing that Mock should have critically evaluated the misleading information from politicians echoing Trump’s election falsehoods.

Unusual Trial Moment

The trial in June, where Mock represented himself, saw a notable instance when he cross-examined his own son, A.J., who had alerted the FBI about his father. In this unusual exchange, Mock delved into his son’s sexuality, aiming to demonstrate his acceptance of A.J. after he came out.

Emotional Questions to Son

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During the trial, Brian Mock addressed his son with heartfelt questions, first asking, ‘You know I’m proud of you, right?’ A.J. Mock confirmed with a simple ‘Yes.’ Brian then deepened the sentiment by asking, ‘And you know I love you, right?’ to which A.J. again replied in the affirmative.

Use of Muted Videos

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In their sentencing memo, prosecutors highlighted that during the trial, Brian Mock introduced Tommy Tatum, a regular at Capitol rioters’ trials and a Jan. 6 participant, as an ‘independent journalist.’

However, they pointed out that Mock played Tatum’s videos on mute, allegedly to conceal Tatum’s incitement of violence and theft of police gear.

Mock’s Guilty, Tatum Free

It’s worth noting that Tatum has not been indicted for his involvement in the Capitol incident. In the end, Mock faced a guilty verdict on four charges of assaulting law enforcement.

Justifications Post-Trial

Following an NBC News report on his trial’s ‘family therapy session,’ Mock and his son A.J. spoke with The New York Times. Prosecutors allege Mock continued justifying his Jan. 6 actions, dismissing responsibility.

Maturation Post-Capitol Attack?

Michelle Peterson, Brian Mock’s attorney, asserted in a court document that since the Capitol attack, Mock has “grown, matured, and become much more self-reflective.”

Assaulted Photographer

During Thursday’s court session, Michelle Peterson mentioned Mock’s ongoing conversations with Erin Schaff, a photographer assaulted during the attack. Peterson described these discussions as almost a form of “restorative justice,” highlighting how they made Mock aware of the impact of the January 6 events.

Reconsidering 2020 Election

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In a post-sentencing NBC News interview, Mock slightly shifted his earlier courtroom stance. He expressed openness to the idea that evidence regarding the 2020 election might have been “suppressed” by the judiciary.

Awaiting Evidence

Mock explained his journey to Washington, D.C., after the election, driven by his trust in the words of politicians who claimed to have scrutinized the evidence and supported the allegations being made.

He mentioned that he is still waiting to see this evidence himself.

The Need for Apology

Mock emphasized the need for an apology and explanation if such evidence doesn’t exist, given the powerful influence of elected officials’ statements urging people to question the election’s integrity.

Approaching Prison Term

corridor of a prison with bars and open cell door. 3d render. concept of retention, crisis, loneliness, consequences. Crime. — Illustration. Image by Depositphotos.com

Further discussing the diversity of the crowd on January 6, Mock responded to Judge Boasberg’s remark about his intelligence, acknowledging the wide range of intellect among those present that day.

Mock is scheduled to begin his prison term in approximately two months.