Former MMA fighter pleads guilty to punching police officer during Capitol riots

Recorded on video shoving a police officer and punching him during the Capitol riots on January 6, a New Jersey gym owner and former MMA fighter pleaded guilty Friday to obstruction of an official proceeding and assaulting a Metropolitan Police Department officer. He is one of the first defendants convicted of assault against the police during the Capitol riots.

On January 6, a video recorded several Metropolitan police officers in riot gear attempting to walk through a crowd of Trump supporters protesting near the U.S. Capitol building. Shortly after shoving one of the officers, Scott Fairlamb punched him in the head, which was protected by a riot helmet.

According to the criminal complaint against Fairlamb, a concerned citizen later submitted the video to the FBI. Fairlamb was also recorded on the officer’s body camera throughout the assault.

In addition to posting several videos on social media breaking into the Capitol, Fairlamb posted a video on Facebook while carrying a collapsible baton and saying, “What Patriots do? We fuckin’ disarm them and then we storm fuckin’ the Capitol.”

Another video caught Fairlamb exiting the Capitol and coughing after chemical agents were used against him and others inside the building. In each of the videos, Fairlamb’s face is not concealed, and the tattoo on his left hand is clearly visible.

Fairlamb was arrested on January 22. He had been initially charged with 12 counts, including assaulting a police officer, civil disorder, obstruction, and disorderly conduct.

On Friday, Fairlamb pleaded guilty to obstruction of an official proceeding and assaulting a Metropolitan Police Department officer. He also agreed to cooperate with federal investigators and pay $2,000 in restitution for damage done to the Capitol.

According to Fairlamb’s attorney, Harley Breite, prosecutors are seeking a sentence of 41 to 51 months in exchange for his plea agreement. Fairlamb faces a maximum sentence of more than 20 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is currently scheduled for September 27.

Another defendant, Devlyn Thompson, pleaded guilty Friday to one count of assaulting, resisting or impeding officers while using a dangerous weapon. According to court records, Thompson struck a Metropolitan police sergeant with a baton.

Thompson, of Seattle, Washington, faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. His sentencing hearing is also currently scheduled for September 27.