Meet Ryan Zink, the son of Arizona Republican Jeff Zink, who found himself in hot water after joining the mob on the east side of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Now, federal prosecutors are pushing for the maximum prison term allowed by law for his involvement in the Capitol riot.
Ryan Zink, aged 35, was convicted of a felony count of obstruction of an official proceeding and two misdemeanor charges for his role in the incident. Despite the obstruction charge being dismissed, prosecutors are adamant that Zink should serve two years in prison and pay $500 in restitution. They argue that his lack of remorse and attempts to paint himself as a victim warrant this harsh sentence.
During the Capitol riot, Zink was seen rushing through the Capitol grounds, shouting incendiary remarks and later making threatening comments on social media. This behavior, according to prosecutors, justifies the maximum prison term for both counts.
Notably, Zink is the son of Arizona Republican congressional candidate Jeff Zink, who has not been charged despite also being present at the Capitol on that day. Following his conviction, Ryan Zink unsuccessfully ran for Congress himself, portraying himself and others arrested in connection with the riot as “political prisoners.”
Prosecutors argue that Zink’s ongoing denial of guilt and attempts to portray his actions as politically motivated make it imperative for him to face the consequences of his actions.
Zink’s sentencing is scheduled to take place via Zoom, where he will receive credit for the time spent in pre-trial detention. It remains to be seen whether he will face the maximum prison term sought by prosecutors.
