Several law enforcement personnel had to tackle a convicted Jan. 6 Capitol rioter on Monday when he tried to flee the courtroom after a judge revoked his pre-sentencing release.
Vitali GossJankowski, 34, was convicted of multiple felony counts in March, including assaulting police, for his role in the Capitol insurrection. He was released under supervision until sentencing, WUSA9 reported.
But on Monday, U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman revoked his pre-sentencing release after prosecutors revealed he doxxed federal employees on social media and sent several intimidating and harassing messages to law enforcement.
“All of this is extremely troubling,” Friedman said. “It’s dangerous. It’s putting others in danger, including prosecutors and law enforcement. I’m just stunned.”
According to WUSA9, GossJankowski, who is deaf, “visibly reacted” as an ASL interpreter, who took part in the hearing via Zoom, communicated Friedman’s decision and began making moaning sounds.
When a marshal approached him to take him into custody he tried to flee.
A scuffle broke out in the courtroom as other marshals and FBI agents rushed to assist. GossJankowski reportedly dragged multiple men with him as he tried to reach the courtroom door, knocking over tables and monitors on the way.
It took nearly a dozen U.S. Marshals, FBI agents and court security officers to pin down GossJankowski so he could be taken into custody where he will await sentencing.
A sentencing date has not been scheduled yet.
