In a dramatic turn of events, Dr. Jacquelyn Starer, a Massachusetts physician, has been sentenced to nine months in prison for her role in the January 6th Capitol riot. This sentencing marks a significant moment in the ongoing legal repercussions of the infamous day.
Dr. Starer, 70, from Ashland, Massachusetts, was found guilty of assaulting a police officer during the chaotic events at the U.S. Capitol. On that fateful day, she joined a mob of rioters who breached the Capitol building, leading to a series of violent confrontations with law enforcement. Starer was captured on body-worn camera footage striking a police officer with a closed fist in the Rotunda of the Capitol.
During her sentencing, Dr. Starer expressed deep regret for her actions. She told U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly that she is not proud of what she did and described her encounter with the officer as “regrettable.” In a heartfelt apology, she said, “I accept full responsibility for my actions that day, and I truly wish reason had prevailed over my emotions”.
The officer, who was identified only by her initials in court documents, recounted the fear she felt during the riot. She described the intense struggle to defend the Capitol against the mob of Donald Trump supporters. Addressing Dr. Starer directly, the officer questioned whether she truly took responsibility for her actions or was merely making excuses.
Prosecutors had recommended a prison sentence of two years and three months for Dr. Starer, citing the severity of her actions. However, her attorneys argued for home confinement instead of incarceration. Ultimately, Judge Kelly sentenced her to nine months in prison, followed by nine months of home confinement.
Dr. Starer, who primarily practiced addiction medicine before her arrest, had agreed in January 2023 not to practice medicine in Massachusetts. Her medical license, issued in 1983, remains inactive.
This case is one of many stemming from the January 6th Capitol riot, with over 1,000 individuals charged for their involvement. Dr. Starer’s sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the legal consequences faced by those who participated in the violent events of that day.
As the nation continues to grapple with the aftermath of the Capitol riot, Dr. Starer’s story underscores the importance of accountability and the rule of law. Her sentencing is a significant step in the ongoing efforts to bring justice to those affected by the events of January 6th.