A Kentucky man, Michael Sparks, who was the first rioter to breach the US Capitol during the January 6, 2021, assault on Congress by supporters of Donald Trump, has been sentenced to 53 months in prison. Sparks, a 46-year-old factory supervisor, was convicted in March for his role in civil disorder and disorderly conduct in a restricted building. Prosecutors had requested a 57-month sentence, while Sparks' defense team advocated for 12 months of home detention. District Judge Timothy Kelly imposed a 53-month prison term along with a $2,000 fine. In the sentencing memo, prosecutors highlighted that Sparks was the initial rioter to enter the Capitol and played a pivotal role in inciting the chaos that day. He reportedly leaped through a shattered window, disregarding the warnings from fellow rioters and the pepper spray deployed by Capitol police that struck him directly. Capitol police sergeant Victor Nichols testified that Sparks' actions served as a signal for the rioters behind him, leading them to follow suit. Over 1,499 individuals have faced charges for their involvement in the Capitol siege. Among them, David Dempsey, from Santa Ana, California, deemed one of the most aggressive participants, received a 20-year prison sentence. This marks the second-longest sentence issued thus far, with Enrique Tarrio, ex-leader of the far-right group Proud Boys, receiving a 22-year sentence for seditious conspiracy. The Capitol attack resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals and injuries to 140 police officers. This incident occurred after Trump delivered a passionate speech to his supporters near the White House, reiterating his unfounded claims of victory in the 2020 election. Trump currently faces four federal felony charges in Washington linked to his efforts to subvert the election outcome, though the case is not expected to proceed to trial before the November presidential election, where he is again the Republican nominee.