Judges Permit Some Capitol Riot Defendants to Attend Trump’s Inauguration
Some defendants from the Capitol riot can return to D.C. for Trump’s inauguration, while others remain barred from attending the event.
Capitol Riot, Trump Inauguration, Washington D.C., Defendants, Court Rulings
Washington D.C.: So, it looks like some folks involved in the Capitol riot are getting the green light to head back to D.C. for Trump’s inauguration. Can you believe it? It’s been four years since that chaotic day, and now they’re allowed to celebrate Trump’s return.
At least 20 people who were charged or convicted for their roles in the January 6 attack asked judges if they could attend the inauguration. And guess what? Most of them got the thumbs up, but a few didn’t.
The Justice Department wasn’t too keen on letting these defendants return to where it all went down. They argued it could lead to more trouble. One prosecutor even said it could be a recipe for mob violence again.
But here’s the twist: 11 defendants got the okay to go, while eight others were told no. Some are still waiting to hear back on their requests.
If they’ve served their time, many convicted rioters can attend. But those still under supervision need a judge’s blessing to leave their home area.
One of the lucky ones is Deborah Lynn Lee from Pennsylvania. She’s been in hot water for some pretty wild social media posts before the riot. Even though she’s got a conviction, the judge said she’s just coming to celebrate, not cause a scene.
Another couple from New York, Carol and Kevin Moore, also got permission. The judge figured the inauguration would be a different vibe compared to the last time they were in D.C. It’s all about celebrating a peaceful transition, not stirring up trouble.
They plan to hold signs asking Trump to pardon the Capitol rioters on his first day back. Trump has called them “patriots,” so it makes sense they’d want to show their support.
Other defendants allowed to attend include a New Jersey man who turned himself in to the FBI and a woman who’s got a short prison sentence to serve.
On the flip side, some folks are still barred from attending. Like Jared Miller, who’s facing assault charges. His lawyer argued that the inauguration is a whole different scene compared to the riot, but the judge wasn’t having it.
Another guy, Russell Taylor, who had a knife during the riot, wanted to go too, but the judge said it wouldn’t be right for someone who tried to disrupt the last inauguration to attend this one.
It’s a mixed bag for these defendants, but it’s clear that the courts are taking a close look at who gets to celebrate and who doesn’t.