In the weeks leading up to the attack, Sparks promoted conspiracy theories about election fraud and called for civil unrest on social media.

Despite his conviction, Sparks maintained his belief in Donald Trump's unfounded claims about the 2020 election being stolen, expressing remorse for the events of that day.

Federal prosecutors recommended a sentence of four years and nine months, while Sparks' defense attorney sought home detention instead of prison.

Sparks entered the Capitol through a broken window and was described by a police officer as a catalyst for the attack, encouraging others to breach the building.

Sparks was convicted on all six charges against him, including felony interference with police during a civil disorder, without testifying during his trial.

Evidence presented during the trial showed Sparks had made inflammatory online posts and expressed violent sentiments leading up to the Capitol attack.

Sparks was arrested in Kentucky less than a month after the riot, as part of a broader investigation that has seen over 1,488 individuals charged in connection with the events of January 6.

Michael Sparks, a 47-year-old from Kentucky, has been sentenced to nearly four and a half years in prison for being the first rioter to breach the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

The violent events of January 6 resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals and injuries to 140 police officers, marking a significant crisis in U.S. democracy.

The Capitol was stormed by supporters of then-President Donald Trump, who incited the crowd with a speech while Congress was in session to certify the 2020 presidential election results.

U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly criticized Sparks' actions as a 'national disgrace,' emphasizing that there was nothing patriotic about his role in the riot.

Prosecutors stated that Sparks' actions disrupted the certification of the 2020 Electoral College vote and threatened the peaceful transfer of power.