A Jan. 6 defendant, Tyler Dykes, known for his ties to white supremacist groups and a visible Nazi salute atop the Capitol steps, was sentenced to nearly five years in prison for his violent role in the attack.
Sentencing and Judge’s Remarks
On Friday, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell sentenced South Carolina’s Tyler Dykes to 57 months in prison. “We fought a world war to beat back the Nazis,” Judge Howell stated. “The defendant thinks there’s something attractive about Nazi ideology.” In addition to the prison term, Howell imposed a $20,000 fine on Dykes.
Dykes’ Extremist Background
Dykes’ case stands out among Jan. 6 defendants due to his history of escalating violence and white supremacist extremist views. Before the Capitol attack, Dykes had been arrested for his participation in the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. His involvement in this rally marked the beginning of his descent into extremism.
On Jan. 6, Dykes played a significant role in the mob’s advancement to the Capitol. He tore down fencing, took a riot shield from a police officer, and joined the push to breach a police line outside the Senate chamber.
Impact on Capitol Police
The severity of Dykes’ actions was underscored by the presence of two officers in the courtroom. They rewatched a video of Dykes snatching a riot shield and relived the chaos and fear of that day. “I didn’t know if I was going to survive the day,” one officer, identified only as R.R., recalled. “We felt helpless, … we were fighting for our democracy.”
Judge’s Evaluation of Dykes’ Behavior
Dykes’ defense attorneys argued for a lower sentence due to his age at the time of the attack, but Judge Howell rejected this notion. She emphasized that Dykes’ actions were deliberate and premeditated, highlighting his preparation for violence and leadership role during the attack.
“He took steps to prepare for violence, covered his face with a gaiter to mask his identity, and acted at times like a leader,” Howell noted. She also pointed out that Dykes had continued down the path of extremism even after Jan. 6, with investigators finding screenshots on his phone of processes for making explosives.
Dykes’ Statement and Judge’s Final Remarks
During his sentencing, Dykes pleaded for mercy, claiming he had forsaken extremist ideas. “I became a part of the mob,” Dykes said. “I didn’t want to hurt anyone, I just wanted to be there. I will never do anything like Jan. 6 ever again.” Despite his plea, Dykes reiterated his support for Trump’s election, declaring, “I stand with President Trump and support him to be the next president of our country.”
COMMENTS