I love the idea of this woodworker guy who just, like... does woodworking. Maybe listens to the radio once in a while. Barely knows anything about the largest federal criminal case in history that happened at his workplace. Only read one article about it, and it was about wood.
Good morning all. We're back on Day 2 of jury selection for Guy Reffitt, the first #CapitolRiot defendant to go to trial. Expected to see opening arguments and potentially the first witness testimony later today. Here's what's happened so far: wusa9.com/article/news/n…
Ok, we're getting started. Judge Friedrich says there are 24 jurors qualified so far. They're aiming for 37 total before they start peremptory challenges.
DOJ says they're willing to let the juror who had a questionable residency status go. Welch had challenged her.
Good morning from the federal courthouse in D.C., where jury selection begins soon for Guy Reffitt, the first #CapitolRiot defendant to go to trial. I'll be here w/ @NathanBacaTV throughout.
If you're following Guy Reffitt's trial, I wrote up a comprehensive guide. That includes many of the questions prospective jurors will be asked today as we kick off voir dire. wusa9.com/article/news/n…
Just some of the questions prospective jurors will be asked about their connection to Capitol Hill, whether they've followed the Jan. 6 cases and if, and how, they use social media. Expect questions as well about their views on firearms and law enforcement.
At 11 a.m., Texas Three Percenter Guy Reffitt will be back in court for his final hearing before his trial begins next week. I'll have a detailed breakdown of what to expect later today and in tomorrow's newsletter. wusa9.com/article/news/n…
Judge Friedrich says there will be live feeds from the three voir dire rooms for Reffitt's trial beginning Monday. Media/public will be able to watch in an overflow courtroom. Media advisory coming out tomorrow.
Reffitt's attorney, William Welch, says he hasn't been able to get access to barbering services yet in the DC Jail. Judge Friedrich has assigned someone to try to get that resolved today.
Coming up at 11:30 there's a sentencing hearing for Jeffrey Alexander Smith, of California/Colorado, before Judge Reggie Walton. The DOJ wants Smith to serve 5 months behind bars -- close to the max for the parading charge he pleaded guilty to.
The DOJ says Jeffrey Alexander Smith, a former sergeant in the U.S. Army, "quite literally led the charge" to breach the Rotunda doors.
Smith's attorneys, John Pierce & John Rice, say he accepts responsibility & has learned a "devastating" lesson. They're asking for probation.
Smith's attorneys argue the consequences he has already suffered from his arrest — damage to his child custody case and to his chances of qualifying for a commercial pilot's license — are punishment enough.
It's a common argument in #CapitolRiot cases with mixed success.
At 11 a.m., Matthew Miller, of Maryland, will appear before Judge Moss to plead guilty in his case. He was indicted on six felony charges, including assaulting police with a dangerous weapon (a fire extinguisher). wusa9.com/video/news/nat…#CapitolRiot
Miller is pleading guilty to count 2 (obstruction of an official proceeding) and a lesser included charge in count 3 (assaulting police w/o the dangerous weapon enhancement). His estimated offense level will be 22.
Miller tells Judge Moss he completed two years of community college before leaving to take a job.
Starting now we've got a status conference for three of the four Proud Boys leaders charged with conspiracy in the #CapitolRiot.
After a discovery update, Judge Kelly asks DOJ why Joe Biggs and Ethan Nordean haven't been moved to D.C. yet? Notes that he ordered the Marshals Service to transport them "forthwith" on Jan. 21. DOJ says their understanding is next transport from FL is end of the month.
Defense attorney Carmen Hernandez, who's now representing Zachary Rehl, says she hasn't been able to get confidential time with her client. She's still getting up to speed in the case after Rehl dumped Jonathon Moseley in December. wusa9.com/article/news/n…