Thread by @ryanjreilly

Sentencing hearing underway for Trump fan Cleveland Meredith, who threatened Nancy Pelosi but arrived in D.C. after the Capitol attack due to car trouble.

Some of the hearing may be under seal (to discuss specific mental health issues). Judge Amy Berman Jackson presiding.

“I think Trump wants you to go home peacefully!!”

“Bullshit, he wants HEADS and I’m gonna deliver.”

DOJ says Meredith set out to attend Trump’s rally on Jan. 4, but had car issues on his way to DC. He arrived late in the afternoon on Jan. 6.

DOJ attorney quotes Meredith text: "someone has to take the TRASH out, FK THESE MTHRFKRS.”

Meredith’s attorney says he’s “a lot of talk” and he used “scary-sounding” language.

It was “bullshit,” his lawyer says.

Points out Meredith referred to himself as “Double0Dipshit.”

Judge Jackson says Meredith's advisory sentencing guidelines range is 37-46 months. Defense strongly objects to two sentencing enhancements. Jackson isn’t bound by the sentencing guidelines. Government advocating for a mid-guidelines sentence.

DOJ: “He threw aside the law for his own self-interest, and he brought this weaponry D.C…. There should be significant consequences for the defendant’s actions.”

DOJ: Meredith’s family members and friends urged him to stop. He wasn’t deterred.

Today is the anniversary of the death of Meredith’s younger sister, which his defense team says sent Meredith down the wrong path.

Defense attorney says Meredith found “meaning” in the world of QAnon.

Meredith’s attorney botches the facts about the case against Jan. 6 defendant Dawn Bancroft, who he claimed sent a Pelosi threat on social media. (It was sent to a friend, not posted on social media, which was an important distinction in the case.) huffpost.com/entry/dawn-ban…

Meredith “is ready to be a good father” and repair things with his family. “He is ready to disengage in the sort of extremism that is the context today,” his attorney says. He’ll be met with “love and open arms” at home, his attorney says.