News Summary
In Columbia, South Carolina, two men were sentenced for their involvement in a riot outside the Columbia Police Department amid a protest following George Floyd’s death. Brandon Jemar Pickett received a four-year sentence for injuring an officer, while Luis Rosario was sentenced to over a year for attacking law enforcement. The riot, initially peaceful, escalated, resulting in numerous injuries and extensive property damage. Both sentences reflect the legal consequences of violent behavior during protests.
Columbia, South Carolina: Two Sentenced for 2020 Police Department Riot
Two men from Columbia, South Carolina, were sentenced for their roles in a riot that erupted outside the Columbia Police Department on May 30, 2020, during a protest following the death of George Floyd. The sentencing was reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for South Carolina, highlighting the serious consequences of the violent acts that took place during what began as a peaceful demonstration.
Brandon Jemar Pickett, aged 38, received a sentence of four years in prison after being found guilty of throwing a large rock at a police officer, resulting in a chipped bone in the officer’s lower leg. Pickett’s history includes prior convictions for assault with intent to kill, failure to stop for blue lights, and attempted burglary, factors that contributed to the severity of his sentence.
In a separate but related case, Luis Rosario, aged 29, was sentenced to one year and one day in prison for throwing water bottles containing an unknown substance at officers and striking an officer in the head with a wooden barricade, which required stitches. Unlike Pickett, Rosario had no previous criminal convictions, yet the violent nature of his actions during the riot warranted a prison sentence.
Riot Details and Background
The riot occurred after a peaceful protest at the South Carolina State House, which was part of a national response to the tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. What began as a demonstration advocating against police brutality quickly escalated into violence and destruction at the Columbia Police Department. Participants engaged in various violent acts, including throwing objects, damaging property, and even setting police vehicles ablaze.
The incidents led to numerous injuries among law enforcement personnel, as well as significant vandalism of public property. In total, the investigation following the riot resulted in the arrest of around 90 individuals, with many facing charges in state court. Both Pickett and Rosario’s actions directly contributed to the chaos and injuries that marked that day.
Investigation and Sentencing Context
The investigation into the riot was comprehensive, conducted by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and the Columbia Police Department. This coordinated effort aimed to address the violence and hold accountable those responsible. The severity of the sentences given to Pickett and Rosario reflects the broader reaction of the justice system to the unlawful behavior exhibited during the riot.
Importantly, the federal prison system does not offer parole, ensuring both men will serve their full sentences. This aspect of their sentencing underscores the serious legal repercussions faced by those who engage in violent actions during events that are meant to remain peaceful.
Conclusion
The cases of Pickett and Rosario highlight the potential for protests to devolve into violence, resulting in legal consequences for those involved. As the community reflects on the events surrounding this significant moment in American social justice history, the emphasis remains on the importance of lawful and peaceful expressions of dissent.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Columbia, SC Police Department Riot Sentencing
- WACH: Two Midlands Men Sentenced for Riot
- The State: Sentencing of Two Men for Columbia Riot
- New York Times: FBI Agents and 2020 Protests
- Encyclopedia Britannica: George Floyd
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
