Thomas Webster, a 20-year NYPD veteran, was convicted of assaulting an officer during the U.S. Capitol riot, after the jury rejecting his claim that he was defending himself.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A federal jury on Monday convicted an NYPD veteran of assaulting an officer during the U.S. Capitol riot, rejecting his claim that he was defending himself when he tackled the officer and grabbed his gas mask.
Webster's jury trial was the fourth for a Capitol riot case. The first three defendants to get a jury trial were convicted of all charges in their respective indictments. A judge decided two other cases without a jury, acquitting one of the defendants and partially acquitting the other. Webster said he went to the Capitol to"petition" lawmakers to"relook" at the results of the 2020 presidential election. But he testified that he didn't intend to interfere with Congress' joint session to certify the Electoral College vote.
After Rathbun struck his face, Webster swung a metal flag pole at the officer in a downward chopping motion, striking a bike rack. Rathbun grabbed the broken pole from Webster, who charged at the officer, tackled him to the ground and grabbed his gas mask.
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