Thread by @MacFarlaneNews

HEADS-UP: Big, big filing moments ago by US Justice Dept against accused far-right "3%-er" & US Capitol Insurrection defendant Russell Taylor

Feds want judge to order Taylor be held in jail til trial

Just look at what they allege.... (thread)

Feds allege Taylor organized a group of armed fighters to come to DC Jan 6

And more...

Prosecutors say Taylor urged others to bring "plates" & "weaponry"

More...

Feds say Taylor tasked people with creating private radio channel to use in DC.... and tasked an alleged co-conspirator with meeting him (by car) with backpack "full of weapons"

Feds allege Taylor joined the board of a group headed by a man (an alleged co-conspirator) who advocated "execution" as "just punishment" for those who refuse to overturn the election

Prosecutors say Taylor told others, "I personally want to be on the front steps and be one of the first ones to breach the door!"

According to court docs, Taylor shared an image ahead of Jan 6 showing tactical vest, knife, hatchets, stun baton

Prosecutors are asking judge (right now) to hold Taylor in jail... calling him an organizer

And.. check this out: They allege he's at risk for "greater radicalization"

Defense attorney just told judge Taylor has cooperated with investigators, has been under FBI surveillance since January, and calls Jan 6 a “unique experience” and “confluence of many factors”

Defense lawyer is arguing that Taylor has not shown himself to be a risk while free from jail before his indictment. While addressing the accusation of conspiracy, Taylor’s lawyer said “He created some chat rooms” and “didn’t like the masks” (covid)

Defense attorney says other defendants in “3%er” Capitol Insurrection conspiracy case have status hearing in August

Taylor is in his 40s. Went to school at BYU. And his attorney says Taylor is “not a very political guy”

Prosecutor cites this among the reasons to hold Taylor in jail:

Taylor has allegedly expressed belief that the current administration & election are illegitimate

Yet again.. Trump's ongoing denial of the election is causing legal trouble for Jan 6 defendants

Defense lawyers say Taylor would get rid of "longgun" in his home and would cancel plans to attend family reunion in Florida, if judge agrees to release Taylor

No immediate ruling from judge .. so i'll birddog this case hourly over coming days

Judge has ruled against feds. Taylor can remain on release conditions. Here's what judge said in order:

"Defendant did not go into Capitol..... because he was carrying a knife"

"Six months have passed" and Taylor "hasn't acted" on his alleged threat of future "Insurrection!"