Richard Barnett: Man who rested his feet on Pelosi’s desk on January 6 sentenced to over four years in prison

CNN
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The man who was infamously photographed with his feet on a desk in then Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s office during the attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, was sentenced Wednesday to four and a half years in prison.

Richard Barnett, also known as “Bigo”, was convicted by a jury in January of eight charges, including civil disorder. He faces up to 20 years in prison on the top charge of obstructing an official trial.

“For better or for worse, you have become one of the faces of January 6 and I think you have enjoyed that,” District Judge Christopher Cooper said during sentencing.

According to court documents, on Jan. 6, Barnett spent 10 minutes in Pelosi’s office and left only when he was sprayed with a chemical irritant. During that time, he put his feet up on Pelosi’s desk and wrote a note to Pelosi calling her a “b**ch.” Court documents also say Barnett had a stun gun in his pants while in the speaker’s office and that he took an envelope from the office. Prosecutors said he left the Capitol and showed the envelope to other rioters as if it were a “trophy.”

“I shudder to think what would have happened if the staff were there, or God forbid, the speaker,” Cooper said.

Prosecutors also alleged that Barnett made his way to the Capitol Rotunda and joined a front line of rioters pressuring law enforcement.

Barnett has shown no remorse for his actions on January 6, which affected his sentence. “The defendant continues to say that his behavior resembled a 4-year-old tantrum,” said prosecutor Alison Prout.

Barnett addressed the court during the sentencing and said he would appeal his case.

“They want me to regret things I didn’t do. I’m obviously appealing this case,” Barnett said.

Barnett has repeatedly stated that he has been unfairly treated by the legal system and that he will only apologize for actions he believes he committed during the turmoil.

“I was angry that day, I admit I was angry and I apologize for that.”

Barnett did not comment on the sentencing. His wife was seen crying as the couple left the courtroom.

During his trial, Barnett testified that he was pushed into the Capitol during the riot and looked for a place to use the restroom inside the building, admiring all the artwork along the way.

This story has been updated with additional details.