News / Politics

Florida man pleads guilty in Capitol protest case

Thursday, 03 June 2021 1:52 AM [ Last Update: Thursday, 03 June 2021 1:52 AM ]

Paul Allard Hodgkins carries a large red "Trump 2020" flag inside the Senate chamber during the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2020.

A Florida man who waved a "Trump 2020" flag inside the Senate chamber during the deadly Capitol protest on January 6, 2021, pleaded guilty over his role in the assault.

Paul Hodgkins, 38, has been facing five criminal charges, including obstructing an official proceeding, entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building.

He, however, pleaded guilty to the lone charge of obstructing an official proceeding after the government agreed to dismiss his other charges.

"I have decided that I will accept this plea offer, and I will plead guilty to charge one," Hodgkins told US District Judge Randolph Moss.

Hodgkins was arrested by the FBI in Tampa on February 16 after a tipster recognized him in a selfie that was apparently taken at the Capitol.

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The Department of Justice is dismissing a case against a New York man charged in connection with the Jan. 6 protest at the US Capitol.

In a video taken by a New Yorker reporter during the violent protest, Hodgkins can be clealy seen walking through the hall, taking selfies by his cellphone.

Hodgkins is facing a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison, but that may be reduced to a sentence of between 15 and 21 months due his cooperation with authorities.

He also has accepted to pay $2,000 as compensation.

More than 400 people have been charged in connection to the deadly protest by supporters of former President Donald Trump, who were trying to prevent Congress from certifying now-President Joe Biden's electoral college victory.

Trump has also been blamed for inciting his own supporters, including members of Proud Boys, to storm the US Capitol building after refusing to concede defeat at the 2020 presidential election.

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