Several individuals charged in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack have asked courts for permission to attend Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration, but their requests have been met with mixed outcomes. Trump, who has repeatedly vowed to pardon those involved in the attack, has described them as “patriots” and “hostages.”
One such defendant, Russell Taylor, sought approval from a federal judge to travel to Washington, D.C., for the inauguration. Taylor, who organized a group of “fighters” on Jan. 6, had been invited by former Rep. Chris Stewart of Utah. However, U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth rejected the request, citing Taylor’s role in the insurrection and his violent actions during the Capitol attack. Lamberth, appointed by President Reagan, noted that allowing Taylor to attend such an event would be inappropriate, given his involvement in the violent efforts to disrupt the 2021 inauguration.
Another defendant, Christopher Belliveau, was also denied permission by U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Kelly, a Trump appointee. Belliveau faces charges of using bear spray against Capitol Police officers and unlawfully entering the Capitol building. Both Taylor and Belliveau have pleaded not guilty.
So far, only one Jan. 6 defendant, Eric Peterson, has been granted permission to attend the inauguration. Peterson, who pleaded guilty to entering the Capitol, was approved by U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, an Obama appointee. The cases of two other defendants, William Pope and Cindy Young, are still under review.
While Trump has downplayed the violence of Jan. 6, describing it as a “day of love,” his claims about pardoning those charged in the attack continue to shape his 2024 presidential campaign. Should he return to office, he would have the power to issue pardons for the convicted individuals.
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