California Man Pleads Guilty to Using Stun Gun to Attack Police Officer During Capitol Riot

A California man pleaded guilty on Tuesday to using a stun gun to attack a Washington, D.C., police officer during the US Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. Daniel Rodriguez, 40, of Fontana, admitted to taking part in the violent assault on former Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone.

Rodriguez pleaded guilty to four counts, including conspiracy, obstruction of an official proceeding and tampering with documents. During the attack, Fanone was dragged out by the neck by a man named Albuquerque Head. Fanone, who at one point lost consciousness and suffered a heart attack, was heard on camera screaming that he has kids in a desperate appeal for his life as other rioters beat him.

The attack on Fanone was part of the deadly riot that occurred at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, when supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the building in an attempt to stop the certification of the 2020 presidential election. The attack resulted in five deaths and numerous injuries.

Rodriguez is the first person to be convicted of using a dangerous weapon to injure a law enforcement official during the Capitol riot. He is scheduled to be sentenced in September 2021 and faces up to 20 years in prison.

The US Department of Justice is continuing to investigate the Capitol riot and has charged more than 400 people in connection with the attack. The department has vowed to hold accountable anyone who participated in the violence.