Court will try *again* at 1030a for detention hearing in Jan 6 case of Landon Copeland, an Army vet from Utah accused of assaulting police
The local jail has suffered logistical problems. Copeland has had court outbursts. Competency exams were ordered
This case has been a mess
The local jail has suffered logistical problems. Copeland has had court outbursts. Competency exams were ordered
This case has been a mess
Hearing is happening! Judge will decide whether to continue to hold Copeland in jail pending trial.
Standby
Standby
Copeland is appearing virtually from the jail in Utah. Hearing has just begun and it appears Copeland has already raised his virtual hand to speak.
It's not his time to do so yet.
It's not his time to do so yet.
Prosecutors will seek to HOLD Copeland in jail. "Defendant has demonstrated .. he remains a danger to the community"
"No realistic way he's going to comply with release conditions going forward"
Feds are citing Copeland's calls to news media (disclosure: that includes me)
"No realistic way he's going to comply with release conditions going forward"
Feds are citing Copeland's calls to news media (disclosure: that includes me)
Feds cite multiple violations/citations for driving without a license, history of "self-medicating" with marijuana, Copeland's statements that he was justified in prior episodes of disrupting court hearings (including objection to criticism of FOX NEWS in court)
MORE: Prosecutor says Copeland's violent conduct on Jan 6 lasted for "three or four minutes" ... "a long time to fight with someone"
In several interviews with me this summer, Copeland defended his physical contact against police -- saying police were the "threat" that day
Prosecutor is now citing said interview
Prosecutor: "He wasn't protecting anyone. He was the instigator"
Feds have video exhibits ... which they say reflect this
Feds have video exhibits ... which they say reflect this
Prosecutor now focusing on another element of Copeland's interview with @nbcwashington .. calling "farcical" the claim by Copeland that he was "justified" because Donald Trump instructed followers to go to the Capitol
Copeland is accused of pushing another person in mob (a person who'd had his hands around neck of police officcer) and toppled the officer, injuring officer's knee
Per federal prosecutor just now
Per federal prosecutor just now
Here's our jailhouse interview with Copeland from this summer: nbcwashington.com/news/national-…
!! Per testimony at hearing, Copeland showed up *in-person* at pretrial services office in May after he was muted during virtual court hearing (after outburst)
Office staffer is testifying and says staff *PUT ON THEIR BODY ARMOR* and called US Marshals before he arrived
Office staffer is testifying and says staff *PUT ON THEIR BODY ARMOR* and called US Marshals before he arrived
Staffer testifies when Copeland arrived uninvited at pretrial service office, he was "mad", "confused".. "pulled his shirt off", "pressed his head against glass", referenced his military service, said "F*** all of you. I've killed for you, my friends have died for you"
Staffer says he tried to calm Copeland down ... two other officers were nearby. Copeland remained behind a barrrier.. staffer says "we felt threatened"
Copeland left his shirt behind and walked out of office shirtless, per testimony
Copeland left his shirt behind and walked out of office shirtless, per testimony
Standing by to hear if Copeland is given permission to speak during this hearing
When he spoke at May hearing... things went off the rails. (In fact, Copeland's vulgarities & criticisms of judge during May hearing have already been cited by feds in request to keep him jailed)
When he spoke at May hearing... things went off the rails. (In fact, Copeland's vulgarities & criticisms of judge during May hearing have already been cited by feds in request to keep him jailed)
Interesting note; Pretrial services officers are expressing concern about their safety in southern Utah (where Copeland lives) ... saying feds handling of Warren Jeffs case and FLDS church has made them unpopular among some there
Brief break in court .. for an off-line conference in this hearing.
I'll note that Copeland has told me he's "famous" at the jail in Utah.. and that other inmates nicknamed him "Cap" (because of his arrest at US Capitol)
I'll note that Copeland has told me he's "famous" at the jail in Utah.. and that other inmates nicknamed him "Cap" (because of his arrest at US Capitol)
Copeland’s lawyer is up now. Says Copeland doesn’t want harm to come to anyone. But acknowledges concerning things were said. Says Copeland has work and place to stay if released
Copelands lawyer is seeking home confinement and GPS tracking. Says behavior in jail has been good, hasn’t had mental health episodes
Judge says she does NOT need to hear from Copeland. And won’t take up defense offer to do so
Feds.. citing Copeland‘s interview with @nbcwashington … says “he has renounced nothing”… apologies and promise to seek mental health care are not credible.
Hearing is paused. As judge considers the arguments. Due to crosstalk and some other noise.. I didn’t hear how quickly order would be made and issued. Standby
Hearing resumes. Standby
Judge specifies Copeland is not accused of carrying weapons or play leadership role, but references allegations of assault.
Judge says release conditions wouldn’t be sufficient. He’ll remain detained.
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
