NEW: Just left classified docs case hearing in Judge Cannon courtroom. She will consider a modified trial schedule given numerous issues including voluminous discovery, discovery delays, late delivery of secure location to review evidence and Trump’s conflicting trial schedules.
I’ll post a story soon but some bombshell revelations:
• Trove of evidence includes “years” worth of security footage from MAL
•Evidence of “extensive communications” btw White House, NARA, intel agencies and DOJ/Jack Smith prior to indictment to determine which files to include.
•Trump still had DOE security clearance related to at least one charged document as recently as June 2023.
•Defense might include Secret Service as a considered member of prosecution since they have own security apparatus separate from MAL
Judge Cannon appeared skeptical about special counsel’s assurances the March 4 trial date for DC case won’t run into May 20 trial date for classified documents case.
She admonished DOJ’s Jay Bratt for his “level of understanding to these realities.”
She also asked for an example of DOJ bringing 2 criminal cases against same defendant in “compressed” schedule while demanding trial dates 2 1/2 months apart.
He had no answer.
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After the break, I returned to my seat in courtroom only to find someone in my seat next to her. I told him to move. He resisted but I forced him to move. Court staff did nothing—after hearing was over, he stalked her to elevator when finally a guard realized what was happening.
The guard refused to allow the psycho in the elevator with us. When we got to 1st floor, he was there taking pictures. When we told guard, he finally made the man leave. Then she spoke to media outside where she was again heckled and harassed.
NEW: Thread on Samuel Lazar, subject of sealed court proceedings related to his plea, sentencing, and release from custody for his involvement in Jan 6. Coalition of major news corps asking Judge Berman Jackson to unseal the case; DOJ admits he cooperated with govt:
Matthew Graves filed a heavily redacted motion objecting to unsealing the case. As others have noted, this is highly unusual. Lazar was arrested on numerous serious charges and denied release in July 2021.
Some background here. Of course his presence at GOP events, especially Doug Mastriano, created lots of explosive headlines especially for Mastriano as he prepared to run for U.S. Senate huffpost.com/entry/samuel-l…
NEW RAY EPPS: Surveillance video shows Epps involved in the second breach of Capitol grounds after participating in 1st breach moments before. This incident creates opening for protesters on west terrace, which coincides with start of joint session of Congress at 1pm.
WATCH:
Epps touches part of a metal fence as police attempt to pull it up. Contrary to his testimony and DOJ report, Epps was not helping police. It appears that Epps stays behind 2 individuals standing on the fallen fence.
I am told mishandling a fence is an act of terror.
So the only individual who appears to be involved in orchestrating two key breach points is Ray Epps.
Epps text to nephew at 2:12p.m on Jan 6: "I also orchestrated it."
NEW: Attorneys for Ryan Samsel, the man who Ray Epps whispered to right before Samsel breached 1st set of bike racks, waives jury trial in favor of bench trial before Judge Jia Cobb, a Biden appointee
Samsel has been in jail for 34 months awaiting trial, now set for next month:
Samsel has been denied medical care and access to counsel & evidence while being moved to several prisons. DOJ has delayed his trial for almost 3 years by adding new charges and co-defendants. Defense notes how DOJ, as one judge said, "charged first, collected evidence later."
Samsel's lawyers asked judge to finally release Samsel so he can get needed medical care and prepare for trial. If she grants motion, it's unlikely the October trial date stands.
Photos in motion of Samsel's living conditions. He has not been convicted of a crime re Jan 6.
NEW: Statement of offense for Ray Epps finally on docket. It's amazing, after reading so many of these, that Epps faces a single misdemeanor. Based on allegations, he should face multiple felony counts including obstruction of an official proceeding:
So Epps is a key figure in 2 breach points--key moments DOJ has emphasized in trial as initiation of the "attack on the Capitol"---but he gets one misdemeanor? Ryan Samsel has been in prison since Jan 2021 awaiting trial. Epps, not so much.
This sort of conduct routinely has been described as assaulting, or at least interfering, with law enforcement. Major charges resulting in extended prison time or even pretrial detention. Makes no sense he doesn't face similar charges.