Ban Jan. 6 Insurrectionists From Holding NY Office, Lawmaker Says

NEW YORK CITY — Jan. 6 insurrectionists will never storm New York's elected offices by way of the ballot box if a prominent lawmaker has his way.

State Sen. Brad Hoylman on Friday marked the second anniversary of the attack on the U.S. Capitol by introducing a new bill called the Restrict Insurrectionists from Office Taking Act, or RIOT Act for short.

The bill lives up to its name — it would prohibit people who engaged in insurrection or rebellion from serving in New York civil office, such as the state Legislature or a judgeship.

Hoylman pointed out nearly 50 New Yorkers have been arrested and charged in connection to the Jan. 6, 2021 attack.

"Our RIOT Act will bar anyone who’s acted against the sanctity of our democracy from holding elected office and sends a strong message that violence is incompatible with government service," he said in a statement.

"We must continue to safeguard our democracy from the extremists attempting to destroy it."

At least 13 New York City dwellers have been accused of taking part in the insurrection, in which a pro-Donald Trump mob stormed the Capitol as lawmakers voted to certify President Joe Biden's election.

The riot left five people dead either before, during or shortly afterward, as well as dozens of police officers injured.

New Yorkers who were accused of taking part in the insurrection included the fur-clad son of a Brooklyn judge, an MTA worker who called in sick to attend and a former NYPD cop who eventually received the longest sentence — 10 years — for a role in the attack.

The accused city dwellers also included two with political ties and ambitions.

Philip Grillo, a Queens Republican District leader who calls himself "The Republican Messiah," was accused of jumping through a broken window in the Capitol. He is set for an April 19 trial, according to federal court records.

Daniel Christmann, a Brooklyn plumber and failed state Senate candidate, awaits sentencing April 26 after he pleaded guilty to illegally entering the Capitol, records show.

The RIOT Act, as written, arguably wouldn't ban Christmann or Grillo — or most rioters — from holding office, assuming both are convicted and later decide to run.

Instead, it would apply to people found guilty in federal court of inciting, helping or engaging in rebellion or insurrection against the United States, according to the bill's text.

Nearly 1,000 people have been charged in connection to the Jan. 6 attack. Most face misdemeanors, but a sizable remainder were charged with felonies ranging from assault to seditious conspiracy, but not insurrection.