NEW: US House Democrats press (again) for US Army to provide information about Trump controversy at Arlington Natl Cemetery:
"While we are sympathetic to the challenges the Army faces in addressing and holding accountable a former president and his campaign staff, failure to properly investigate this egregious incident in a timely manner and hold violators accountable undermines the integrity and honor of Arlington National Cemetery"
House Democrats ask that an "independent charging decision" be made about alleged assault at Arlington Natl:
"The alleged assault of an Arlington staff member by Trump campaign staff requires a strong official response. The incident occurred when an Arlington staff member tried to ensure adherence to the rules, regulations, and solemnity of this hallowed ground. As with any alleged assault, this incident should be investigated by the appropriate law enforcement authorities and should be subject to an independent charging decision"
Top House Democrats on Oversight, Armed Services and Veterans Committee:
"The actions of former President Trump and his campaign staff were in flagrant violation of regulations, tradition, norms, and decorum and dishonored the memories of those interred at Arlington and the meaning of patriotic service to our country. We urge the U.S. Army to immediately provide information regarding how the event was coordinated"
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REMINDER: Trump has waived his right to attend the hearing. Judge approved him doing so
Trump has instructed his defense attorneys to enter a NOT GUILTY plea, on his behalf, to the charges in the superseding indictment
LAST WEEK: Special Counsel Jack Smith asked court for hearing on immunity issues raised by Supreme Court: "On whether any categories of material in the superseding indictment or that the Government plans to use at trial implicate immunity"
We’re at Justice Dept HQ, where Atty General Merrick Garland is announcing case against Russian figures who have sought to interfere with 2024 elections. RT broadcasts included
“RT and its employees” executed scheme to disseminate Russian propaganda…and to utilize social media influencers to do the same, says Atty Gen Garland
To shift opinion on war against Ukraine
Affidavit released just now alleges 32 internet domains were used by Russian figures to impact the outcome of 2024 election.
JUST NOW IN COURT: Standing in orange jail jumpsuit & facing judge, Jan 6 defendant Joseph Hutchison read this letter. He's serving as his own lawyer & asked for his case to be dismissed, citing delays in getting access to filings in jail and noting "230 days" in pretrial jail
Hutchison is charged w/ multiple felonies and accused of physical confrontations with police (below)
But .. there's a twist to his case
(MORE)
Hutchinson (pardon prior misspellings) has co-defendants in his case
But he's declining court's urging that he get a defense lawyer. He's representing himself. And the complications he's experiencing are caused by computer/tablet issues in jail
STAND BY: Justice Dept is about to ask for 57 months prison in Jan 6 case of Michael Sparks, arguing he was the very first rioter to enter the Capitol while fully aware of Congress's role that day. They say he wrote: "I believe in the constitution so I’ll die f[o]r it. Trump is my president.”
Prosecutors will argue that Sparks was among the group ahead of the mob that confronted lone Capitol Officer Eugene Goodman, as Senators attempted to flee
(MORE) .. At sentencing of Michael Sparks, feds will argue: "He discussed his displeasure with the results of the 2020 election and his wish to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power, telling a friend 'we’re going to cry and burn down cities.”
US House Members, some of whom were hiding and trapped in the upper level of House chamber on Jan 6, have described to me how they texted loved ones to say "goodbye" or to try to comfort their spouses at home
Some Jan 6 defendants have openly and brazenly defied judges and predicted Trump will soon issue pardons
One -- moments after his sentencing -- exited the courtroom and raised a fist to yell "Trump won"