Fed demands five years in prison for Florida's “Sedition Panda” for attack on Capitol

Washington, DC – Federal prosecutors want a central Florida man known as the “Sedition Panda” to serve more than five years in prison for his role in the 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

According to court documents, investigators alleged that Jesse James Rumson of Lecanto, Florida, was the man in the panda costume at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

Investigators said Rumson was seen on cellphone and surveillance video marching to the U.S. Capitol, jumping over police railings and entering the Capitol through the House doors.

At a trial in May, he was found guilty on eight federal charges, including obstruction of justice, aiding and abetting, entering a restricted federal building and disorderly conduct.

New documents filed Tuesday in federal court in Washington, DC, show that prosecutors will ask a judge to sentence Rumson to 66 months in prison.

“On January 6, Rumson ascended the northwest steps to the Capitol's Upper West Terrace, climbed through scaffolding into the midst of a riot, and wore a large panda headdress,” the document states.

Prosecutors alleged that Rumson urged the crowd to use a “ram” to break down the door to the Senate building, then grabbed a police officer's face shield and yanked it down.

“A 66-month prison sentence reflects the severity of Rumson's conduct and takes into account his repeated attempts to obstruct this case by lying about his conduct to the FBI and under oath in court,” the document states.

His lawyer is expected to file a rebuttal.

Rumson will be sentenced on September 5.

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