EXCLUSIVE: Antifa militant pleads guilty to assault of journalist—Seattle-area prosecutors seek just one month prison term

On Tuesday afternoon, Lawson pleaded guilty as charged to Assault in the Third Degree for the politically motivated attack.

Despite the seriousness of the charge, including evidence that Lawson dented Higby’s helmet during the assault and later tried to purchase a firearm while under a protection order, prosecutors are recommending only a one-month jail sentence. Additionally, Lawson has been released on his own recognizance while awaiting sentencing.

The King County Prosecutor’s Office explained in a statement to The Ari Hoffman Show on Talk Radio 570 KVI that the standard sentencing range for this felony under Washington law is determined by the defendant’s “offender score,” which takes into account prior felony convictions. Lawson’s offender score was 0, as his three prior misdemeanor convictions, from 2011 and 2019, do not count toward the state sentencing grid.

A score of 0 corresponds to a sentencing range of 1 to 3 months. Lawson spent 50 days in jail following his July 16 arrest and was later transferred to electronic home detention on September 4 after a judge approved his release on August 25.

Prosecutors agreed to recommend a 1-month sentence in exchange for Lawson’s guilty plea, though the final decision rests with the sentencing judge. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for 1 pm on October 17.

Prosecutors also requested that Lawson remain on electronic home monitoring until sentencing, citing the seriousness of the assault and the fact that Lawson attempted to purchase a firearm less than a week after being served with a protection order filed by Higby.

However, the judge granted Lawson’s defense motion for release on personal recognizance, with conditions including no contact with Higby, no new criminal law violations, and ordered a ban on attending any political demonstrations before sentencing

The attack on Higby occurred during the nationwide “No Kings” protests, when a group of Antifa militants blocked traffic outside the federal building, threatened motorists, and lit fires in the streets. Higby, who was reporting undercover on the unrest, was identified by the rioters, pinned against a wall, choked, punched in the head, and kicked in the face.

Video captured the assault and showed Lawson attacking Higby, denting his helmet and causing a concussion. Despite the clear evidence and identification within 24 hours, Lawson wasn’t arrested until July 16, more than four weeks after the incident.

During that period, Higby and fellow journalists repeatedly pressed Seattle Police and the King County Prosecutor’s Office for action, highlighting the city’s reluctance to pursue misdemeanor protest-related cases.

“This isn’t just about me,” Higby told Hoffman after the arrest. “It’s about what kind of city Seattle wants to be. If you can beat someone in the street and threaten them for weeks and not get arrested, what message does that send?”

Following the assault, Lawson allegedly sent a series of threatening text messages to Higby, including personal details like his home address, timed to coincide with the expiration of a temporary protection order.

Lawson’s attempt to buy a gun shortly after these threats raised additional concerns about public safety. Prosecutors highlighted these factors during the plea hearing as part of their push to maintain strict pre-sentencing conditions.

Lawson, who uses the alias “Jack Rack,” has a lengthy criminal history, including prior charges for assault, burglary, drug possession, and harassment. His social media accounts are filled with anti-police content and Antifa slogans, and he sports a tattoo of “ACAB,” an Antifa acronym meaning “All Cops Are Bastards.”

He was also allegedly captured on video setting fires during the June 14 riot and continued attending Antifa events even after being identified as the suspect in the Higby attack.