Leonard Ridge IV, 20, of Lower Southampton, in the Capitol during the Jan. 6 attack.
A recent Neshaminy High School graduate will serve federal time for his actions during the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Leonard Pearso Ridge IV, 20, of Lower Southampton Township, was sentenced Tuesday morning by U.S. District Judge James Boasberg to 14 days behind bars, 100 hours of community service, and a $1,000 fine.
Ridge, according to court records, pleaded guilty in October to entering a restricted building and grounds. He admitted to entering the Capitol during the attack. Additionally, he recorded footage of the event and texted friends about entering the building.
The man, who was 19 at the time, shared at least five videos from the attack on social media. The videos allowed the FBI to track him down, authorities said.
The probe by federal authorities began after a friend brought Ridge’s Snapchat videos to the attention of special agents from the FBI.
“Let’s go, let’s go. Get in this bitch,” Ridge allegedly yelled in a video uploaded to Snapchat.
The videos show the actions outside the U.S. Capitol and then inside. At some point, tear gas was being fired near the group that was in the federal building.
“America first, bitch” is heard in one video, authorities said.
Special agents from the FBI spoke with two witnesses who knew Ridge from Neshaminy High School.
Snapchat conversations obtained by law enforcement showed Ridge communicating that “something needs to change” because he was upset over the outcome of the 2020 election.
He reportedly told a person he “just made history” by taking part in the insurrection.
“Yeah man so epic I have a video of me fighting riot police in the capital [sic] building,” he allegedly wrote.
“Just pray for me that I don’t get arrested by the fbi,” he added.
The prayers didn’t work, as federal authorities said they arrested Ridge in late May in Lower Southampton Township.
Before the federal district judge on Tuesday, Ridge said he was “sorry for my actions.” He stated he would have never gone into the building if he knew the impacts of his actions.
Ridge’s defense attorney told the court the case will stick with him forever and that was “punishment enough.”
In a filing late last month, Ridge’s attorney stated to the judge the man should be “applauded” for being so enthusiastic about politics.
“His interest in politics is a good thing and but for entering the Capitol on January 6th, should be applauded,” wrote Carina Laguzzi, Ridge’s attorney,
Boasberg said time behind bars was appropriate, but gave Ridge some lenience because he was a teenager at the time. The judge further stated teenagers sometimes do “stupid” and “unwise things.” The judge added that if Ridge was older he would have received a longer prison term.
Ridge, who works for his family’s business, was ordered to serve the 14 days in prison all at one time. His attorney tried to argue he should be able to serve time in custody only on weekends.
At the end of the sentencing, the judge stated he hopes Ridge gets on the right track and “contributes to your community and your society” once his prison sentence is over.
Six Bucks Countians were charged in connection with the attack.
See also:
Bucks County Man ‘Ashamed’ For Actions During Capitol Riot
Three Bucks Countians Plead Guilty to Actions During Capitol Riot
Wife’s Facebook Posts Helped FBI Nab Bucks County Man On Capitol Riot-Related Charges
Lawyer For Bucks Co. Man Accused Of Capitol Riot Assault Claims He Was Beaten By Prison Staff
Bucks County Woman Charged As Part Of Capitol Riot Investigation
