Former California Police Chief Sentenced to 11+ Years in Prison for Role in U.S. Capitol Attack

A former California police chief was sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison on Thursday for his role in the U.S. Capitol attack on January 6, 2021. Alan Hostetter was found guilty in July on charges of conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of an official proceeding, entering or remaining on restricted grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon and disorderly or disruptive conduct on restricted grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon.

Hostetter attended the rally at the White House Ellipse before walking to the Capitol with a group of people. He was found to have brought tactical gear, a helmet, hatchets, knives, stun batons, pepper spray, and other gear for himself and others.

At his sentencing hearing on Thursday, Hostetter continued to spread conspiracy theories about the attack. He also called for the execution of Donald Trump’s political enemies.

U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss said Hostetter’s actions were “a direct assault on the heart of our democracy.” He added that Hostetter’s “actions were not only criminal, but they were also deeply offensive to the rule of law and to the values that animate our constitutional system.”

Hostetter’s attorney argued that his client was not a violent person and had no intention of harming anyone. However, the judge said that his actions were still dangerous and that he deserved to be punished for them.