NEW: A George W. Bush-appointed chief federal judge has gutted the Trump-era federal prosecution of a punk rocker who had his home raided because of a promotional photoshoot for his band: huffpost.com/entry/justin-c…
Former Trump-appointed federal prosecutor @MikeDunavant1 said the case was the result of “outstanding investigative work.”
Before Justin Coffman’s home was raided, he called police and clarified that it was a fake Molotov cocktail with apple cider (in case that wasn’t already abundantly clear from the context, which it was!).
Cops raided him anyway.
Judge: "considering the totality of the affidavit, a reasonably prudent person would not be warranted in believing that Coffman was in possession of a hoax device or improvised explosive incendiary device.”
“Indeed, the highly dramatic and evidently carefully curated appearance of the images and accompanying quote seems to lend credence to the theory that they are promotional images for a Rock band.” — a senior federal judge with some internet literacy: huffpost.com/entry/justin-c…
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
On the stand, Hunter Robertson claimed that the M4 rifle found in father’s bedroom belongs to him. He said his gun was in his dad’s room because there’s a gun safe with magazines in there. Prosecutor asked for brief recess, saying the son has provided inconsistent accounts.
Hunter Robertson said he also had a Glock 19 in his truck in the driveway and claims again the M4 is his and wasn’t in the house when his father was home. Feds previously said Hunter Robertson "declined to provide any information” about the M4 during the search.
In ongoing hearing, Magistrate Judge G. Michael Harvey described the tunnel battle as "one of the longest and most violent" battles during the Capitol attack. He’s saying Morss took on an organizing role in trying to build a “shield wall.”
Judge Harvey says Robert Morss’ charges are serious and reflect the seriousness of his conduct. Says it can be reasonably inferred from Morss' outfit and communications that Morss came to D.C. “ready for a fight.”
Judge Harvey finds that Morss’ conduct wasn’t spur of the moment, and he was an active and enthusiastic participant in the riot, and took on an organizational role. He’s in a different category of dangerousness, Harvey finds.
“I had my creds. I had my firearm, and my badge on me… But never exposed… Not that I know of.”
A DEA agent has been busted in connection with Jan. 6. (h/t @SeamusHughes)
Mark Ibrahim “was a probationary employee of the DEA and had, several weeks prior to the events of January 6, 2021, given notice to the DEA of his intention to resign.” extremism.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/…
"IBRAHIM’s friend told your affiant that he was not there in any formal capacity for the FBI and that the FBI was not giving him directions or marching orders. He said that IBRAHIM crafted this story in an effort to 'cover his ass.’”
Last year, the Trump DOJ popped out a press release that sounded pretty big:
"Tennessee Man Charged in Both Federal and State Courts for Unlawful Possession of Firearms and Possession of a Hoax Device During Civil Unrest"
Seemed serious! But I dug around a bit, found the actually Facebook post in question, and discovered the photos at issue were clearly part of a photoshoot, and that The Gunpowder Plot was a band. huffpost.com/entry/anarchis…
After the Trump-loving federal prosecutor with political aspirations held an entire press conference on the matter, the local coverage basically just regurgitated their release. The case was blasted out to the national press too. huffpost.com/entry/trump-ba…
BREAKING: Jan. 6 defendant Paul Hodgkins sentenced to 8 months in prison in first felony sentencing in connection with the Capitol attack. Government had sought 18 months. huffpost.com/entry/paul-hod…