Robert Reeder, a fervent Trump supporter who is being prosecuted for his role in the January attack on the US Capitol, grew emotional during a plea hearing on Friday as he complained that “no one wants to hire him” because he is “radioactive,” NBC 4 Washington reporter Scott MacFarlane reports.
After pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge of unlawfully parading, demonstrating and picketing the Capitol, Reeder told the court on Friday that he was remorseful for his actions and called taking part in the riot “the biggest mistake of my life.”
“I sincerely apologize for my shameful actions,” he said. “I committed unacceptable actions for being there. I know it was really tough for the police… I’ve always supported the police 110%.”
The regretful MAGA rioter also went into detail about what a personal toll being arrested for storming the Capitol has taken on him.
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“I’ve lost my job,” he said while tearing up, according to MacFarlane. “I’m radioactive. No one wants to hire me. They just have to Google my name.”
Reeder also said that he’s not welcome to serve as a local Boy Scout master and sports coach anymore, and that even his church has told him to stay away and “not be a distraction” for the time being.
MacFarlane writes that the judge overseeing the case, however, didn’t fully buy Reeder’s change of heart.
“It’s become evident to me in the riot cases, many of the defendants who are pleading guilty are not truly accepting responsibility,” he said. “They seem to be trying to get this out of the way as quickly as possible.”
Reeder was sentenced to three months in jail.
