Massachusetts Doctor Sentenced to Nine Months for Punching Officer During Capitol Riot

Jacquelyn Starer, a 71-year-old former Massachusetts gynecologist and addiction specialist, has been sentenced to nine months in prison for her role in the Capitol riot. Starer, who pleaded guilty in April to eight charges including felony counts of obstructing law enforcement and assaulting officers, admitted to punching a police officer during the January 6, 2021, insurrection.

Prosecutors revealed that Starer traveled from Massachusetts to Washington, D.C., to attend Donald Trump’s “Stop the Steal” rally. She joined the crowd of Trump supporters and entered the Capitol at 2:51 p.m., nearly 45 minutes after the initial breach. Once inside, she pushed through the crowd to the Rotunda and struck an officer, identified only as “M.B.,” with a closed fist.

Starer reportedly bragged to an acquaintance about being prepared with a mesh knife-proof shirt and pepper spray. In court, she apologized to the officer, but U.S. District Judge Tim Kelly expressed confusion over her actions, questioning what motivated her despite her education and life experience.