Capitol Rioter Sentenced to Over 4 Years for Flagpole Assault

Peter Francis Stager, an Arkansas truck driver, has been sentenced to over four years in prison for assaulting a police officer with a flagpole during the U.S. Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. Stager struck the officer multiple times with the flagpole while other rioters pulled the officer into the crowd. He also screamed profanities at another officer who was seriously injured. Stager's actions were described as disrespectful and part of a prolonged attack on law enforcement. Over 1,000 people have been charged in connection with the Capitol riot, with Stager being one of several defendants sentenced for assault charges.