Peter Moloney‚ a 60-year-old funeral home owner from Bayport‚ New York‚ has admitted guilt in a Washington court for his part in the Capitol riot that happened almost four years ago. Moloney confessed to spraying wasp killer at law enforcement and attacking two media professionals including an Associated Press photographer
The incident‚ which took place on 01/06/2021 saw Moloney arrive at the Capitol with protective gear and insecticide – seemingly ready for conflict. Video evidence shows him using the spray against officers and participating in assaults on journalists: grabbing cameras‚ pushing‚ and causing injuries
Moloneys lawyer‚ Edward Heilig‚ stated that his client “takes full responsibility“ and “deeply regrets his actions on that day“. The funeral director (who has since left his family business) is looking at a maximum eight-year sentence for the felony assault charge and an additional year for the misdemeanor
I should never have taken off
In a related case‚ Paul Kovacik from Wisconsin pleaded guilty to fleeing to Ireland to avoid a three-month prison sentence for his involvement in the riot. Kovacik‚ who returned to the U.S. voluntarily due to homesickness about four months ago‚ now faces additional charges
The Capitol riot has resulted in:
- Over 1‚500 people charged
- More than 950 guilty pleas
- Above 200 convictions by judges or juriesMoloneys sentencing is set for 02/11/2025‚ while Kovaciks is scheduled for 12/10/2024