Doug Hughes May Have Flown For The Last Time

Doug Hughes, who landed his gyrocopter on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol last month, says he is ready to face what ever punishment is meted out for his protest of the influence of money in politics.

Hughes said in an opinion piece that appeared Sunday in the Washington Post that he did not commit his peaceful protest thoughtlessly. "The most important requirements were met: No one was hurt, no property was damaged and the message was delivered," he wrote.

Hughes has been charged with violating aircraft registration requirements, which is a felony, and violating national defense airspace, a misdemeanor. Both carry fines and jail time, according to a report from CNN. Hughes was released on bail shortly after being arrested for his stunt, and is back at home in Florida, according to the report.

Hughes said in the piece that he has "faith in a jury of my peers, and will accept whatever consequence I must. I simply hope by putting my freedom on the line, others might realize how precious their freedom is and join those of us engaged in this fight to preserve and protect our government of, by and for the people."

FMI: Full Op-Ed