Doctor Sentenced for Assaulting Officer in Capitol Riot

Jacquelyn Starer, a 71-year-old Massachusetts physician, was sentenced to nine months in prison for punching a police officer during the January 6 Capitol riot. In addition to her imprisonment, Starer will serve nine months of home confinement and two years of supervised release, and she must pay $4,000 in restitution and fines. Starer pleaded guilty in April to multiple charges, including felony assault and civil disorder, without a plea deal. During her sentencing, Starer expressed regret and apologized to the officer she assaulted, who testified about fearing for her life during the riot. Prosecutors had recommended a longer sentence, emphasizing the incongruence of Starer's actions with her oath as a physician. Starer agreed to surrender her medical license in early 2023 and will self-surrender to begin her prison term at a later date.