Ed Badalian’s defiant remarks during sentencing highlight his radical beliefs about the Capitol riot.
Ed Badalian, a conspiracy theorist and January 6 Capitol riot participant, was sentenced to over four years in prison for his role in the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol. During his sentencing on Tuesday, Badalian, who was convicted of conspiracy, obstruction, and a misdemeanor, made it clear that he believed his actions were justified in the name of “protecting the Capitol.”
Badalian expressed frustration that law enforcement officers did not join him in arresting what he referred to as “the traitors” — members of Congress who did not support overturning the 2020 presidential election results. He echoed baseless claims that the election had been stolen, a core belief that motivated him and others to storm the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
The evidence presented during the trial revealed that Badalian had organized paintball training sessions and was actively preparing for violent action following Trump’s 2020 election loss. On January 6, he made his way to the lower west terrace tunnel and was among those who ransacked Senate hideaway offices.
Badalian’s defiance continued throughout the legal process, where he maintained his controversial stance and repeatedly interrupted the judge during his sentencing. He also told U.S. marshals taking him into custody that they had a duty to resist what he described as unconstitutional orders.
Badalian’s case is one of many stemming from the January 6 Capitol attack. Among the others involved in the attack, Danny Rodriguez, who used a stun gun against Officer Michael Fanone, was sentenced to 12.5 years in prison earlier this year. Another defendant, Paul Belosic, a Hollywood actor known for his online alias “Swedish Scarf,” remains a fugitive, wanted by the FBI.
The sentencing of Badalian adds to the growing list of individuals facing severe penalties for their roles in the Capitol riot, which has been condemned as an assault on democracy and the constitutional order of the U.S.
