DOJ seeks to block Jan 6 defendants from attending Trump inauguration

Attorneys at the Department of Justice are strongly advising federal judges to deny petitions from two Jan. 6 defendants who are requesting permission to return to Washington, D.C. for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Cindy Young, convicted of four misdemeanors for her participation in the Capitol riot, and Russell Taylor, who pleaded guilty to a felony conspiracy charge, have both filed petitions asking to be allowed back to the nation’s capital despite court orders prohibiting them from doing so.

In response to Young’s petition, U.S. attorneys argued that she poses a danger to the D.C. community, including law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol on January 6, 2021. They cited Young’s calls for retribution against individuals involved in January 6 prosecutions and her failure to acknowledge the seriousness of her actions. Similarly, the Department of Justice is challenging Taylor’s request to attend the inauguration, emphasizing the gravity of his crimes and the inappropriate nature of allowing him to return to the scene of the crime.

On the other hand, Eric Peterson, a Jan. 6 defendant convicted of a misdemeanor but not yet sentenced, was granted approval by U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan to travel to Washington for Trump’s inauguration. This decision contrasts with the Department of Justice’s stance on Young and Taylor’s petitions, highlighting the varying treatment of defendants involved in the Capitol siege.

As Trump’s inauguration approaches, speculation surrounds the possibility of pardons for individuals convicted in connection with the Capitol riot. Trump has hinted at pardoning those who remained peaceful on January 6, but has also considered a blanket pardon for all defendants. Regardless, he has indicated that the pardons will be swiftly issued following his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025.

The Department of Justice has refrained from commenting on the matter, underscoring the complexities and legal implications surrounding the requests from Jan. 6 defendants. The decisions made by federal judges in response to these petitions will have significant implications for the defendants and the broader community impacted by the events of January 6, 2021.