Posted on by Randy Slovacek

Man Pleads Guilty To Using Stun Gun On DC Officer At Capitol Invasion

Daniel Rodriguez, of California, pleaded guilty today to using a taser on a Washington, D.C., police officer during the violent invasion of the U.S. Capitol building on January 6, 2021.
(screen capture via YouTube)

Daniel Rodriguez, of California, pleaded guilty today to using a taser on a Washington, D.C., police officer during the violent invasion of the U.S. Capitol building on January 6, 2021.

From AP News:

Daniel Rodriguez, 40, of Fontana, admitted to taking part in the violent assault on former Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone after another rioter dragged the officer into the crowd outside the tunnel where police were trying to beat back the mob.

Fanone, who at one point lost consciousness and suffered a heart attack, was heard on camera screaming that he has kids in a desperate appeal for his life as other rioters beat him.

[Rodriguez] pleaded guilty in Washington’s federal court to four felony charges including conspiracy and assaulting a law enforcement officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon.

After tasering Fanone, Rodriguez entered the Capitol building. He later texted friends writing, “Tazzed the (expletive) out of the blue.”

Two other individuals charged for their part in assaulting Fanone have already pleaded guilty and been sentenced to more than seven years in prison

Following his arrest in March 2021, Rodriguez admitted to FBI officers that he had attacked Fanone with the taser.

Rodriguez told agents at the time that he had believed that he was doing the “right thing” for the country. Speaking to the agents, Rodriguez broke down crying saying he was “stupid” and ashamed by his actions.

Lawyers for Rodriguez tried unsuccessfully to get his confession to FBI agents thrown out.