For Ray Epps conspiracy theorists, the Brandon Straka case is worth examining. Unlike with a theoretical Epps case, here there was amble evidence of speech inciting imminent lawless action. So even though he didn’t enter the Capitol, Straka was charged, and admitted guilt.
“Straka was standing a mere 10 to 20 feet away East Rotunda Doors while encouraging the rioters to enter the U.S. Capitol… Straka encouraged the rioters to take the shield away from the officer.”

That’s very distinct from Epps, who tried to calm the situation.
A good question to ask Ray Epps conspiracy theorists is what precise criminal statute they would charge him under that wouldn’t also apply to thousands of people on the grounds that day (or run roughshod over the First Amendment).
Tough to imagine even a D.C. jury convicting him of anything substantive here given this video, if this theoretical case even made it that far.

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More from @ryanjreilly

14 Jan
“Inside White House [sic] via breaking in windows... Tree of liberty was watered today!”

One of the Capitol rioters who couldn’t get his branches of government straight is set to be sentenced at 10. Feds want two months home detention. ImageImage
“It’s embarrassing,” Kenneth Kelly said when he pleaded guilty. “I probably didn’t have the education to name the building correctly.” huffpost.com/entry/kenneth-…
"He described his decision to enter the Capitol as stupid.” storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.usco… Image
Read 11 tweets
13 Jan
Brandon Straka met with the feds once again last week — on January 5, 2022 — and was “cooperative,” per court filing.

DOJ is asking for four months of home detention.
DOJ says Straka has made "what appear to be sincere expressions of remorse” that "serve as a strong counter to his aggravating conduct, namely, his abuse of his responsibility as a public figure not to agitate and inflame the passions of a riotous mob.”
"As a public figure who continues to have a large social media following, Straka has a responsibility to ensure that his rhetorical flourishes do not endanger others.” storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.usco…
Read 6 tweets
13 Jan
Stewart Rhodes of the Oath Keepers has been arrested. Much more to come. huffpost.com/entry/stewart-…
“We aren't getting through this without civil war. Too late for that. Prepare your mind, body, sprit.”

“It will be a bloody and desperate fight. We are going fo have a fight. That can’t be avoided.”
Read 8 tweets
12 Jan
If you’re trying to look around the corner to find the next conspiracy theory that some lawmakers will latch onto, it’s probably worth knowing that the FBI also removed an underage teenager’s photo from their Capitol Violence Seeking Information page. huffpost.com/entry/ted-cruz…
This guy was on the FBI’s website for months after he was identified, and was attending Republican political events. Was he some super secret undercover working for the FBI? No. huffpost.com/entry/samuel-l…
You could play this game with dozens of people on the FBI list who have been successfully identified to the feds but haven’t yet been arrested. huffpost.com/entry/sedition…
Read 4 tweets
12 Jan
A judge has denied request from Jan. 6 defendant Matthew Ryan Miller to be released from home detention, citing the "serious nature of the allegations against the defendant, and the evidence of his violent attack on law enforcement.”
DOJ: "His most egregious behavior occurred when he used a fire extinguisher to spray directly into the mouth of the Lower West Terrace tunnel at the law enforcement officers there.” storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.usco…
They also noted that Robert Scott Palmer got five years for assaulting law enforcement with the same fire extinguisher. huffpost.com/entry/capitol-…
Read 4 tweets
12 Jan
So, remember how Tucker Carlson had a Jan. 6 lawyer on his show who declared that a Trump fanatic on the front lines of the battle with police at the U.S. Capitol was “clearly a law enforcement officer” who was only dressed up as a Trump fanatic?
“Let’s put his picture back on the screen,” Tucker Carlson said, airing the conspiracy theory the Trump fan was a fed. “Who is this person? Why hasn’t he been charged? That’s a very simple ask.” huffpost.com/entry/tucker-c…
Well, Rally Runner — the St. Louis Cardinals superfan who runs around Busch stadium during games — is now a bit upset with the false story aired by Tucker Carlson (one of his favorite media figures) and his guest. Here are some videos he sent me:
Read 13 tweets

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