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Scott Fairlamb: Capitol rioter and MMA fighter weeps after hearing 41-month prison sentence

Fairlamb, 44, of New Jersey, was handed the longest sentence a protester has received after he punched a law enforcement officer during the unrest

A former MMA fighter broke down in tears before he was sentenced to 41 months in prison for assaulting an officer during the January 6 riot at the US Capitol. 

44-year-old Scott Fairlamb, of New Jersey, was handed the longest sentence a protester has received for punching a law enforcement officer during the unrest. Prosecutors considered Judge Royce Lamberth's decision a "canary in the coal mine" that foreshadowed what more than 120 other defendants are facing for their role in the riots that day. 

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Fairlamb wept in court at the 11 am hearing on Wednesday, November 10, as he apologized for disgracing his family's name after their pride in his veteran father's military service. "I truly regret my actions that day. I have nothing but remorse," he told the court, as he asked the judge for mercy. "Had you gone to trial, I don't think there's any jury that could have acquitted you," the judge insisted as he announced the sentence.

In a video from January 6 used in court, Fairlamb was seen dressed in a camouflage jacket, navy blue scarf, and black beanie, yelling at an officer. And when another officer approached Fairlamb to seemingly get him to calm down, the defendant shoved him. When the officer subsequently swatted Fairlamb's finger out of his face, he struck him back even harder.

In court, Fairlamb admitted that his behavior was "irresponsible" and "reckless," and said he "takes responsibility" for his actions. He also referenced his health maladies related to cancer and cardiac issues, NBC reported.

Prosecutors went a step further and demanded that the judge penalize Fairlamb after he allegedly solicited donations totaling $30,000 since the riot, prompting accusations that he was financially benefiting from the attack on the Capitol building. Meanwhile, Justice Department lawyer Leslie Goemaat also highlighted Fairlamb's martial arts training and earlier run-ins with the law. "He was trained to throw a punch and was well aware of the injury he could cause," Goemaat argued.

On the other hand, Fairlamb's defense attorney argued that a "time-served" sentence was sufficient as it was "rare" to see such a "commendable" person "take such a wrong step." The lawyer also insisted that pretrial detention time in D.C.’s jail had been harsh on Fairlamb and should count toward leniency. He requested the judge "take into consideration the approximate 11 months his client has already served in custody" and not add additional jail time. However, Lamberth eventually announced that on top of his prison term, Fairlamb must also pay $2,000 and be under supervised release for three years after his jail time.

Fairlamb pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of an official proceeding and another for assaulting the police officer. The charges carry a maximum of more than 20 years in prison, but sentencing guidelines recommend a term of imprisonment ranging from 41 to 51 months. Prosecutors had originally called for Lamberth -- who wasn't bound by any of the recommendations -- to issue a 44-month sentence.