Ex-NYPD cop Thomas Webster convicted of beating officer at Capitol riot

A former NYPD cop was convicted by a federal jury Monday of assaulting a police officer in the course of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. 

The disgraced ex-lawman, Thomas Webster, had claimed he was making an attempt to guard himself from a “rogue cop” who smacked him within the face because the violent mob descended on the Capitol.

Webster, 56, testified that Metropolitan Police Officer Noah Rathbun provoked the combat — an argument the jury rejected after it gave the impression to be disproved by body-worn digital camera footage. 

The footage confirmed Webster belligerently yelling at Rathbun about his free speech rights whereas positioned behind a row of motorcycle racks. 

The unhinged Goshen, New York, resident then flung one of many racks on the cop, who responded by smacking Webster within the face with an open hand. 

Webster swung a steel flagpole at Rathbun, however missed and smashed it into one of many bike racks, in response to the footage.

He then rushed Rathbun, tackling him to the bottom and reaching for his gasoline masks in the course of the battle. 

Former NYPD officer Thomas Webster was convicted of assaulting a police officer on the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.

Metropolitan Police Division by way of AP, File

Webster had claimed Metropolitan Police Officer Noah Rathbun provoked the combat.

U.S. Legal professional’s Workplace

The federal prosecutor who tried the case instructed jurors in his closing argument that the assault on Rathbun was not an occasion of self-defense, as Webster had claimed.

“Don’t let the defendant off the hook for what he did that day,” Assistant US Legal professional Brian Kelly mentioned.

Webster, a 20-year veteran of the NYPD, didn't enter Capitol grounds on Jan. 6, when supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the constructing in an try to cease Congress from certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory.

Webster retired from the NYPD in 2011.

U.S. Legal professional’s Workplace

Webster faces as much as 20 years in jail at his sentencing.

FBI

Greater than 780 individuals have been charged for crimes they allegedly dedicated on the riot, together with almost 250 who face costs for assaulting or impeding legislation enforcement. 

Webster was the primary Capitol riot defendant to be tried on an assault cost. He might resist 20 years in jail at his sentencing.

The ex-cop retired from the NYPD in 2011 after 20 years on the job, together with a stint on former Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s safety element.

With Put up wires