Man Who Flew Gyrocopter Onto Lawn Of Capitol Pleads Guilty

BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- He flew into one of the most restricted air spaces in the country.

Now the man who landed on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol last April, pleads guilty today in federal court.

WJZ's Alex DeMetrick has the latest.

Douglas Hughes returned to Washington for his appearance in federal court because of his illegal visit in April.

That's when Hughes landed his gyrocopter on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol to protest the impact of big money on the government.

It had an intention Hughes said, he'd never planned on: revealing a gap in security.

"This is a wake up call for all of us," said Congressman Elijah Cummings.

Hughes says it was a personal tragedy that triggered his actions.

"My son, at age 24, committed suicide by head-on collision killing another innocent driver on the way," said Hughes.

Those lost lives prompted Hughes to do something with his life.

"I would injure nobody but myself and I would do more property damage. And with those two limitations I would do whatever it takes to restore representative democracy in this country," he said.

In court, Hughes plead guilty to one count of flying without a pilot's license, a plea deal that dropped all other charges.

That guilty plea carries a maximum of 3 years in prison, but Hughes won't be doing that kind of time.

Prosecutors are recommending that Hughes serve no more than 10 months, although the judge could increase or reduce that time when Hughes is sentenced next April.