Thread by @MacFarlaneNews

STANDBY: Court hearing begins in minutes in high-level Jan 6 case of Jeff McKellop, who is accused of assaulting police while wearing gas mask & military-grade gear

McKellop has pleaded NOT GUILTY and is making another attempt to get released from jail pre-trial

McKellop is former member of US Special Forces. Feds previously cited, "The defendant’s training and experience and the chilling strategy apparent in the defendant’s conduct, which appeared to be to disable or disarm law enforcement officers wielding riot-control spray"

Feds argue McKellop has shown a "short fuse" in court hearings

From their argument to hold him jail.. "The defendant made insulting comments about the staff at the Department of Corrections and indicated that he needed a different judge and a different venue for his case"

Prosecutors included photo of officer who was allegedly stabbed by McKellop in their court filings.

Warning: It could be considered graphic ==>

McKellop argues, among many things: "There is no evidence of prior planning, and although Mr. McKellop wore tactical gear, which he otherwise used in the performance of his job as a security contractor, he
did not bring a firearm, bladed weapons..."

Hearing has begun. Defense cites length of time McKellop has already been detained... and the long wait that likely awaits due to voluminous process of preparing discovery

Defense attorney says it's as if "Mr. McKellop has been indefinitely detained"

ALERT: Defense attorney cites reporting that people (arrested) might have been in discussions with officials at White House before January 6. Attorney cites that as "new information" just received. This appears to be a reference to the Rolling Stone report

Defense lawyer indicates the new reporting might impact what some defendants argue in court

His lawyer says McKellop's "psychological and emotional state" are impacted by the long pretrial detention. "This is a person who's never been incarcerated in his life," his attorney argues

Defense says McKellop has been "crying" ... "it's had a significant impact on him"...

Referring to pretrial detention and impact on his family

Defense says McKellop did not encourage others to enter Capitol.... and that he was inside for only minutes

Lawyer is trying to build contrast between McKellop, who has no criminal record, and other defendants who *do* have criminal pasts

Defense says McKellop wasn't "erratic" during prior hearings (as alleged by feds)

Defense says McKellop is "frustrated".. "he's not a person who's been in this position before"

(She appears to be arguing this ordeal might be easier for those who served previous jail time)

Defense attorney says she's advised McKellop NOT TO SPEAK during today's hearing

Prosecutors cited outbursts from McKellop at prior hearings as one reason to hold him in jail

Defense lawyer, "At the end of the day thousands of people made really bad decisions"

Lots to unpack in that statement

Judge expresses concern that this case (and others) could be "languishing"

He asks (rhetorically I believe): "At what point are we going to be ready to have trial in this case?"

Judge acknowledges complications are being experienced for Jan 6 defendants in DC jail. Those defendants have argued there are problems getting access to evidence, computers, lawyers... and good hygiene

Judge is taking break.. for another hearing. He says he might take the matter "under advisement" for ruling later today or at a later date