Man Sentenced to Over Four Years in Prison for Attacking Police Officer and Cameraman During Capitol Riot

45-year-old Shane Jason Woods has been sentenced to more than four years in prison for his role in the U.S. Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. Woods was the first person charged with assaulting a member of the news media during the insurrection.

According to federal prosecutors, Woods tackled a Reuters cameraman "like an NFL linebacker hunting a quarterback after an interception" by taking a running start. He also attacked a Capitol police officer who was significantly lighter than him, knocking her off her feet and into a metal barricade. Prosecutors stated that the officer still experienced pain from the incident the following day and described it as feeling "hit by a truck."

Describing Woods' actions as cowardly, violent, and opportunistic, prosecutors highlighted that he targeted individuals smaller than him who were not expecting his attack. These individuals had done nothing to provoke or obstruct him in any way.

While prosecutors attempted to interview the cameraman, it is unclear whether he was injured during the incident.

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta sentenced Woods to four years and six months of incarceration, slightly less than the recommended sentence of five years and 11 months put forth by the prosecution.

Woods, who previously ran an HVAC repair business, was arrested in June 2021 and pleaded guilty to assault charges in September 2022. Additionally, he faces first-degree murder charges in Illinois for a wrong-way car collision that resulted in the death of a woman on November 8, 2022.

While out on bond for the January 6 case, Woods was involved in another incident where he fled from law enforcement after being pulled over for speeding. Intoxicated and driving in the wrong direction down a highway in Springfield, Illinois, Woods' pickup truck collided with a car driven by 35-year-old Lauren Wegner, who tragically lost her life in the crash. Two other individuals sustained injuries as well.

Woods's Disturbing Behavior

Woods, who was involved in a car crash, has made shocking statements about intentionally driving the wrong way on the highway with the aim of colliding with a semi-trailer truck. This disturbing revelation was overheard by a police officer while Woods was being treated in a hospital. Currently, he is incarcerated in Sangamon County, Illinois, awaiting his trial which is scheduled for January. The severity of his actions is evident as federal prosecutors describe his behavior as "cowardly, monstrous, and devoid of any consideration of others."

Underlying Factors

According to a defense attorney, Woods's lack of judgment can be attributed to his ongoing struggles with drug and alcohol abuse as well as untreated mental health issues. This sheds light on the complexity of the situation and raises questions about the support and resources available to individuals facing such challenges.

Connection to Capitol Riot

Moreover, it is important to note that Woods was armed with a knife when he joined a group of President Donald Trump's supporters who stormed the Capitol on January 6. This event disrupted the joint session of Congress responsible for certifying Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election. The atmosphere during Trump's earlier rally near the White House, where he encouraged his supporters to "fight like hell," undoubtedly contributed to the tension and extreme actions witnessed that day.

Legal Ramifications

The aftermath of the Capitol riot is marked by an extensive number of legal cases. To date, over 1,100 individuals have been charged with federal crimes related to January 6. Of these, approximately 800 have pleaded guilty or been convicted in trials held in Washington, D.C. Moreover, more than 650 individuals have already been sentenced, with a majority receiving prison terms ranging from three days to 22 years.