WASHINGTON — As criminal proceedings get underway for people accused of domestic terrorism after storming the Capitol on January 6, several defendants are asking for a military discount on prison sentences by virtue of their veteran status. 

“My three years as a fuel supply specialist in the Air Force Reserve more than outweigh this minor instance of high treason,” argued Trent McMurphy, whose career in the military ended when he was administratively separated for refusing to get a flu shot. “I deserve some leniency here. Prison is for actual criminals, like Black Lives Matter protesters, not people like me who merely tried to overturn the results of an election.” 

A disproportionate number of veterans among the rioters have asked that they be given military discounts on their sentences.