Brett Alan Rotella, a 35-year-old North Carolina man, has been sentenced to 38 months in prison for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Convicted by a jury of obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder and two counts of assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers, Rotella’s actions during the riot were described as both aggressive and calculated. Following his prison term, he will serve three years of probation and pay a $2,000 fine.
Rotella’s role in the riot was significant. Wearing a distinctive red skull cap and a sleeveless black puffy jacket that revealed his tattooed arms, he entered the West Plaza of the Capitol building as Congress and then-Vice President Mike Pence were in the process of certifying the 2020 presidential election results. Carrying a pole with two flags, Rotella threw a metal police barrier at an officer and shouted obscenities in response to the use of tear gas. He voiced frustration with the state of the nation, yelling, “We just want things to be right” and “Something has to happen or we’re all fed.”
Rotella’s actions escalated as he led a group of rioters in chasing police officers up the southwest stairs from the West Plaza. Demonstrating a level of command, he repeatedly raised his fist and called out “hold,” halting the mob as they moved forward. He then led them onto the Inauguration stage, undeterred by officers firing rubber bullets at his feet.
The situation intensified when Rotella and others confronted police at the Capitol’s doors. After rioters breached the first set of doors and smashed the glass on the second, Rotella reached inside to open the door, allowing others to enter and clash with officers. Using his body weight, Rotella pushed against the police line, shouting, “You want to hit me?! I’ll f you up, motherfer!”
After being expelled from the building, Rotella joined the mob outside the west tunnel. There, he coordinated efforts against the police, yelling “heave ho” and counting to three to synchronize attacks. He also assisted in carrying a ladder to the front line.
Rotella’s identification and arrest were the result of an extensive FBI investigation. Surveillance images from outside his home in Kannapolis, North Carolina, matched those from the Capitol riot. Phone data also confirmed his presence at the scene. Agents arrested him on August 29, 2023.
At his sentencing, prosecutors emphasized the seriousness of Rotella’s offenses. They noted his persistent defiance of law enforcement and his active role in organizing and leading rioters. Despite his responsibilities as a father of three young children and his work in security, Rotella’s actions on January 6 demonstrated a disregard for the law and his personal obligations. Prosecutors had sought a 60-month sentence, arguing that his behavior warranted a punishment higher than the midpoint of the sentencing guidelines.
Rotella’s sentence reflects the gravity of his actions and serves as a reminder of the consequences for those who participated in the Capitol breach. His case highlights the ongoing accountability for individuals who undermined the democratic process and endangered public safety during the events of January 6, 2021.
