In a recent development, a U.S. District Judge has rejected a request from Russell Taylor, a participant in the January 6th riot, to attend the forthcoming inauguration of President-elect Trump.
Taylor, currently on probation after admitting to obstruction of an official proceeding, had sought the court's approval to travel beyond the Central District of California to be present at the ceremony, following an invitation from lawmakers.
As reported by The Hill, Judge Royce Lamberth dismissed the request in a court order issued on Friday. The judge's decision was influenced by the violent events that unfolded at the Capitol following the 2020 presidential election. Lamberth noted in his order, "Mr. Taylor brought a knife and plate carrier vest to the Capitol and carried a backpack containing a hatchet and stun baton."
The judge's order further detailed Taylor's actions during the riot, stating, "During the Riots, Mr. Taylor pushed past police barricades, encouraged fellow rioters to push against a police line where officers were being visibly assaulted, joined the push himself, and repeatedly threatened the police protecting the Upper West Terrace that it was their [l]ast chance to stand down and abandon their position."
While Taylor did not physically harm any law enforcement officers, Judge Lamberth emphasized that his actions in inciting the riot raised serious concerns about his attendance at future high-profile political events. "While he did not personally assault law enforcement officers, he did threaten them and encourage other rioters who were actively assaulting them," Lamberth stated. "He also contributed meaningfully to the sheer danger of the days events by arriving armed and armored."
Lamberth also dismissed any notion of patriotic intent behind Taylor's actions, stating, "And although Mr. Taylors rhetoric on the day of the Capitol Riots is interspersed with pro-America motifs and allusions, his unlawful conduct and his later espousal of insurrection belie any patriotic motives he may have professed that day."
Taylor's lawyer, Dyke E. Hush, expressed disappointment at the ruling but acknowledged the court's concerns. "While this ruling is disappointing, as my client is a huge supporter of president-elect Trump, he does understand the court denial of his request," Hush told NBC News.
Taylor is not the only participant in the January 6th riot seeking permission to attend Trump's inauguration. Eric Peterson received approval, while Christopher Belliveau's request was denied. William Pope's application is still under consideration.
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