A Montana business owner faces consequences for his actions during the January 6 insurrection.
According to AP News, Henry Phillip "Hank" Muntzer, a 55-year-old businessman from Dillon, Montana, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for his participation in the U.S. Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.
The sentencing, which took place on Thursday, also included a year of supervised release and a $2,000 restitution order.
Muntzer's involvement in the events of January 6 came to light through social media posts and videos captured inside the Capitol. As court records state, these digital footprints led to his arrest two weeks after the insurrection.
In February, Muntzer was found guilty of several charges following a bench trial presided over by U.S. District Court Judge Jia M. Cobb. The charges included obstructing an official proceeding and civil disorder, both felonies, along with four misdemeanor offenses.
However, a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in June resulted in the dismissal of the charge of obstructing an official proceeding before sentencing. This decision has made it more challenging to prosecute individuals under this specific charge.
Prosecutors presented evidence detailing Muntzer's journey to Washington D.C. with friends to attend the "Stop the Steal" rally. Following former President Donald Trump's speech at the Ellipse, Muntzer joined the crowd marching towards the Capitol.
During his approximately 38-minute presence inside the Capitol, Muntzer was involved in physical altercations with law enforcement officers. These confrontations occurred near the Senate chamber and in the Capitol Rotunda.
Prosecutors highlighted Muntzer's resistance to law enforcement efforts to remove him from the premises. He was among the last individuals to leave the building, further emphasizing his defiance.
In his hometown of Dillon, Muntzer has gained notoriety for a pro-QAnon mural displayed on the building housing his appliance store. The Dillon Tribune reported on this local landmark, noting that many QAnon followers subscribe to unfounded conspiracy theories.
The sentencing of Muntzer is part of a larger effort to hold individuals accountable for their actions during the Capitol riot. Federal prosecutors have charged more than 1,500 people with crimes related to the events of January 6, 2021.
Of those charged, over 1,000 rioters have been convicted and sentenced. Approximately 650 individuals have received prison sentences, with terms ranging from a few days to as long as 22 years.
The conviction and sentencing of Henry Phillip Muntzer underscore the serious repercussions for individuals who participated in the January 6 Capitol riot. His two-year prison term, followed by supervised release and financial restitution, reflects the gravity of his actions during the insurrection. This case adds to the growing number of prosecutions related to the events that shook the foundations of American democracy.
