Thread by @julie_kelly2

I'll cover 2:30 detention hearing for Richard Barnett, the man photographed in Pelosi's office. I explain his case here--he turned himself in January 8 and has been in jail ever since. Barnett is in solitary in DC jail and reportedly was attacked by guards
amgreatness.com/2021/04/12/ind…

About to get started. Judge Cooper is an Obama appointee and he’s married to a former top aide to Eric Holder.

Judge asks for update on discovery. DOJ says should have to defense next week. Barnett was arrested a few days after protest and has been in jail ever since so obviously so rush to put the case together.

Judge Cooper doesn't sound too happy with DOJ. Says he's been in jail almost four months and if this continues his final sentence could equal time served. Cooper wants government to move this along. Asking about plea--DOJ says government hasn't offered a plea deal.

Judge Cooper now challenging Barnett lawyer filing that argued January 6 protest was a rebellion by working class against ruling elite--he compared it to BLM. Cooper perplexed, says he thought January 6 was an attempt to overturn a stolen election.

Judge Cooper warns defense lawyer to stick to relevant cases including his ruling to release a January 6 defendant from pre-trial detention based on Munchel ruling by DC Appellate court.

Judge and Barnett lawyer debating walking stick/stun gun. Barnett lawyer says item wasn't operable bc no batteries were inside the device--he's not accused of using it just possessing it. Judge insists it's still a dangerous weapon.

Defense points out Barnett has no criminal record. Oh dear God, Judge Cooper repeating DOJ claims Barnett is a QAnon follower. Even if he was, how is this a crime or relevant to denying him bail? Lawyer refuting it

Government argues Barnett is still a threat to society. HIs release poses a "danger" because he'll bring weapons into public places and to halt government activity he disagrees with. Judge reminds DOJ he wouldn't just walk out the door, any release would be conditional

Judge asks what court orders he's violated. DOJ can't answer--pushing for more details supporting his "dangerousness." DOJ claims he hid evidence when his common law wife hid the clothes he wore. The guy turned himself in.

Judge Cooper says he doesn't see a lot of "daylight" between Barnett case and Munchel case, which court is bound by--DOJ says Munchel didn't steal mail from Nancy Pelosi and leave her a mean note. LOL

Judge Cooper, who was very fair IMO, taking a 5 minute break before announcing his decision. Could go either way but seems he might cite Munchel as reason for release.