Accused Jan 6 conspirator & OathKeeper Ken Harrelson of Florida makes new request for release pending trial
Harrelson, among many things, argues other defendants who've pleaded guilty were "pressured" and are "loyal Americans"
Several accused OathKeepers have flipped already
Harrelson argues his conduct on Jan 6 was "protest activity".. and that he clearly wasn't trying to obstruct the electoral college certification... because doing so would've installed Speaker Nancy Pelosi as President
(Conceivably, by blocking both Trump/Pence and Biden/Harris)
Harrelson argues the media has "dehumanized" him, argues the OathKeepers are NOT extremists and takes issue with arguments that the OathKeepers used a military "stack" formation to enter Capitol
He argues a real military "stack" would necessitate semi-automatic weapons
Other Jan 6 defense lawyers say the feds have incredible leverage over the US Capitol riot defendants who are being held in the DC jail
Jail is accused of having subpar conditions. Some have been locked up for 10 months. And an alleged "cult-like" culture exists in J6 wing
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BREAKING: Steve Bannon is charged with one contempt count involving his refusal to appear for a deposition and another involving his refusal to produce documents, despite a subpoena from the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the U.S. Capitol, per feds
Atty General Merrick Garland, "I have promised Justice Department employees that together we would show the American people by word and deed that the department adheres to the rule of law, follows the facts and the law and pursues equal justice under the law"
Each count of contempt of Congress carries a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of one year in jail, as well as a fine of $100 to $1,000
STANDBY: Sentencing begins in misdemeanor case of Jan 6 defendant Boyd Camper, who acknowledged bringing 10 y/o son to Capitol, but leaving child outside with adult friend
There’s that phrase again. His lawyer tells judge Camper “was caught up in the emotion” on Jan. 6. Defense says Camper went to DC as a “patriot” who was “skeptical” about election
Prosecutor says the fact that Camper brought his 10 y/o son on Jan 6 is an indication Camper was not planning on seeing violence. Feds cite this as they explain why they’re seeking two months in jail as sentence
STANDBY: Plea hearing begins shortly in unique US Capitol breach case of Lonnie Coffman, who's accused of having 11 Molotov cocktails & firearm in his red pickup truck on Capitol Hill on Jan 6
Coffman is already audible in hearing... and complaining about the medical conditions and care in the jail
Lawyers are scrambling to mute Coffman's audio connection
Coffman has been held in pretrial detention in the DC jail. He's appearing from jail.. it seems ... via video feed for today's plea hearing. But there are technical glitches
The judge's patience with the technology sounds like it's ..... thinning
Sentencing for a high-level Jan 6 defendant. Scott Fairlamb pleaded guilty to assaulting police. Does judge go higher -- or lower -- than the 44 months recommended by prosecutors?
(Video from court exhibit)
Fairlamb is ushered into courtroom wearing orange jail jumpsuit. He hugs his attorney… then sits upright and listens to prosecutors begin their argument. He’s wearing blue paper mask
Prosecutor is now showing the video tweeted earlier in this thread.
Feds: "The defendant was among the first 30 rioters to penetrate the U.S. Capitol building. The defendant then stalked the hallowed halls of the building, riling up other
members of the mob with his screaming obscenities about our nation’s lawmakers..."
Prosecutors agree w/ defense in calling Jacob Chansley the face of the US Capitol Insurrection, per their sentencing memo
They likely recognize this sentencing will be noticed by a broader section of Americans. Hearing is Nov. 17
ALERT: DC Federal judge Tanya Chutkan rejects Donald Trump's argument to invoke executive privilege & withhold records from US House Jan 6 committee
"Plaintiff is unlikely to succeed on the merits of his claims or suffer irreparable harm"
Judge: "The incumbent President-not a former President-is best positioned to evaluate the long-term interests of the executive branch & to balance the benefits of disclosure against any effect on the on the ability of future exec. branch advisors to provide full & frank advice"
Judge: "The notion that the
contemplated disclosure will gravely undermine the functioning of the executive branch is refuted by the incumbent President’s direction to the Archivist to produce the requested records"