Thread by @TPC4USA

THREAD: I've been unusually quiet here on X the last couple of days. I've been working in DC, from the crack of insanity 'til late. I've been able to spend more time in the 'video room' looking at the J6 videos for coming stories. Today, I'm covering the @stephenehorn trial. ⬇️

Stephen's trial is expected to last three days. Jury selection began this morning, so I ducked out to drop you a few notes. This trial isn't big enough to warrant a feed to the media room, so I can't use my devices in the courtroom. ⬇️

Interestingly, when I sat down in the courtroom this morning, at 9 am, seated directly in front of me at the plaintiff's table was none other than the same @FBI special agent, (Craig Noyes), who is investigating me. We acknowledged and nodded at each other. ⬇️

(I wonder if SA Noyes will have a beer with me later? Anyone monitoring my comms at headquarters, please let him know that I'm buying, if he'll accept the invite.) ⬇️

@stephenehorn is charged with the four basic J6 misdemeanors, but declined a plea offer and bravely chose a jury trial to argue his innocence. That hasn't worked out very well for . . . well . . . almost all who've chosen that route. ⬇️

Stephen's a really good kid. Great family. Hardly a criminal or "insurrectionist." He's been doing journalism and securing press passes for such activities since he was 16 years old. He was 22 on #Jan6, (25 now), and had every right to cover that event as the other 80-100... ⬇️

...journos who went into the Capitol on J6. Including those who were among the VERY FIRST to enter WITH those who violently breached the west Senate Wing windows and door - and who have not been charged - "credentialed," or not. ⬇️

@stephenehorn's 'real crime' is that he can be heard on his own camera joining a chant of "USA" while inside the building. As I've pointed out many times, these trials are dangerously setting precedent against the words used. But, if you're an MPD undercover cop,... ⬇️

...you can join the crowd chants and also wave and encourage protestors to go toward the Capitol. A journalist with actual experience in riot coverage - who needs to blend in for his own safety - well... that's not allowed of J6 defendants. ⬇️

Interestingly, Stephen contacted @FBI the next day and offered his videos to them to assist in their investigations. He then participated in a voluntary interview with their agents. All that cooperation earned him a set of leg chains, in front of the magistrate, and... ⬇️

...10s of thousands of dollars in legal bills over the last 2.5 years. Now, in front of a DC jury, it'll likely - by the numbers - earn him 2 - 8 months in federal prison, for having dared turn down a plea deal, and then argue for his 1st Amendment right to cover an... ⬇️

...historic event in the same manner as dozens of other indy journos who've not been charged. But hey... "USA, USA, USA" are now scary words in our nation's capital. Literally, INSIDE our Capitol.

I'll keep you posted on how the trial develops over the next few days. Stay tuned!