Largo man apologizes for role in Capitol riot, hopes for leniency

LARGO, Fla. - Judgment day is coming for Robert Palmer, the Largo man federal prosecutors say was caught on video spraying Capitol police with a fire extinguisher January 6 and then throwing the canister at them.

Palmer was arrested for his involvement in the deadly Capitol riot. Afterward, on a donation website to help with his defense, he called himself a "proud American patriot who went to DC to support our president and to witness the overturn of the election."

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However, 11 months later, Palmer has had a change of heart.

"I believe he's remorseful," offered Bjorn Brunvand, Palmer’s attorney.

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In October, Palmer pleaded guilty to assault charges and will soon be heading to prison, but for how long?

New court documents show prosecutors are asking for 63 months. Brunvand wants a lot less.

"I'm asking for two years and the court will make the ultimate decision," explained Brunvand.

In a handwritten letter, Palmer apologized for his actions and said he realizes that former President Trump lied about the election results, writing, "little did I realize that they were the tyrannical ones desperate to hold on to power at any cost."

Palmer knows his fate is now in the hands of a Washington DC judge. Sentencing is set for 12:30 p.m. Friday.

"I would imagine he's very worried about Friday," Brunvand added.

But, his attorney says, no matter the years he gets behind bars, the stain on Palmer’s character could be a lifelong sentence.

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