Washington – Some defendants accused of being part of the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021 are now asking the courts for permission to return to Washington, D.C., to attend the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20.
Many of the approximately 1,600 people who have been charged with felonies or misdemeanors for their alleged roles in the January 6 attack have been subject to court orders that restrict their travel to and within the capital . But some have said they should be allowed to return for the inauguration, arguing they are not a threat to public safety.
one in filed in court On Monday, the Justice Department argued against allowing defendant Christopher Beliveau to attend the inauguration. Federal prosecutors wrote, “The last event the defendant attended in Washington, D.C., degenerated into a full-scale riot. It was the scene of his charged crime – a violent crime that contributed to the obstruction of a peaceful transition of power.” has contributed.”
“The most compelling reason to reject Beliveau's motion is that allowing his travel to Washington, D.C., would endanger Capitol Police officers,” prosecutors said. “Beliveau argues that the conditions of his release need to be modified because of his lack of violent past. But that makes his return to the Capitol even more worrisome — Beliveau was only willing to engage in violence against Capitol Police officers The rioters who were trying to stop the crowd are under control.”
Beliveau is accused of deploying bear spray against police during the Capitol attack and has pleaded not guilty. He filed his own motion in support of his request to attend the inauguration. Beliveau's lawyers argued, “It is also important to remember that, while Mr. Beliveau is accused, he is presumed innocent, thus the mere fact that he has been charged does not suggest that he is inherently are physically more dangerous than any other person.”
Defendant Cindy Young, who was found guilty of four criminal charges at trial in August, has also asked for permission to travel to Washington for the festivities. His filed On December 11, Young's lawyer said that he had complied with the conditions of his release “for more than a year”.
Young's attorney said, “He poses no threat to the community and is not a flight risk. He was allowed to travel to Washington, D.C. several times, including to the Capitol Building, during trial preparation and without incident.” ” ,
but the prosecutor Oppose Young's request. Writing in response a week later, the Justice Department said that Young “has supported persistent calls for retaliation against those involved in the January 6 prosecution – particularly jurors, judges and law enforcement – all of whom have harmed the D.C. community.” ” They wrote that Young “has also mocked the officer victims,” many of whom “will be tasked with protecting the Capitol and the Constitution once again on January 20, 2025.” The judge has not ruled on Young's request.
January 6 defendant William Pope, who is serving as his own defense attorney, also requested permission to attend the inauguration. one in filed On Saturday, the Pope said, “I now turn to the Court for permission to travel to Washington, D.C., for the purpose of attending the Presidential Inauguration on January 20, 2025. Initially, I declined the invitation to attend the Inauguration. I declined (because I don't) I would enjoy living in Washington), however, I have now been asked for a second time, and I believe it would be inappropriate for me to decline this request.
The Pope has pleaded not guilty and a trial is scheduled for May. The court filing did not specify who invited the Pope to attend. The Justice Department has not yet responded to the request.
Trump has promised to pardon at least some of those charged or convicted of crimes related to January 6. Nearly 1,000 defendants have pleaded guilty, according to the latest Justice Department report. About 600 have been charged with attacking or resisting police. Federal agents are searching for several fugitives, with more arrests still expected.
