David Nicholas Dempsey, a man from California with a history of political violence, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. Described as one of the most violent members of the mob of Donald Trump supporters that attacked the Capitol, Dempsey was involved in multiple attacks on police officers during the riot. He stomped on officers’ heads, swung poles, struck an officer with a metal crutch, and used pepper spray and broken furniture as weapons. Climbing atop other rioters, he reached officers guarding a tunnel entrance, resulting in injuries to at least two officers.
Dempsey pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting police officers with a dangerous weapon in January. His sentence of 20 years is one of the longest among the Capitol riot prosecutions, with only former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio receiving a longer sentence of 22 years for orchestrating a plot to stop the transfer of power from Trump to Joe Biden. Dempsey apologized for his actions, calling them “reprehensible” and expressing regret for his hostility and violence towards the police officers. Prosecutors had recommended a sentence of 21 years and 10 months, citing Dempsey’s extreme violence during the riot.
David Dempsey’s defense attorney sought a lower sentence of 6 years and six months, arguing that the government’s recommendation did not consider his growth as a person. Prosecutors described Dempsey as “political violence personified” due to his extensive criminal record and violent acts during the Capitol riot. Dempsey was wearing riot gear and an American flag covering his face when he attacked police officers at a tunnel entrance, using pepper spray and a metal crutch to harm them. His actions left officers injured and struggling to maintain control in the face of the violent mob.
Dempsey has been in jail since his arrest in August 2021, with a history of convictions for burglary, theft, and assault in California. His assault conviction stemmed from a 2019 incident where he attacked people peacefully demonstrating against then-President Trump. In addition to his involvement in the Capitol riot, Dempsey has engaged in other acts of political violence that did not result in criminal charges. More than 1,400 people have been charged with Jan. 6-related federal crimes, with over 900 convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from a few days to multiple decades, emphasizing the severity of the consequences for those involved in the riot.
