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Washington — Several individuals facing charges related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection are currently petitioning the courts for permission to return to Washington, D.C., on January 20 to witness the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.
Approximately 1,600 individuals have been charged with various felonies and misdemeanors in connection with the January 6 events, many of whom are under legal restrictions that limit their movement in the capital. A segment of these defendants contends that their attendance at the inauguration would not pose a risk to public safety and should therefore be allowed.
In a recent court filing, the Justice Department opposed the request of defendant Christopher Belliveau to attend the inauguration. Prosecutors emphasized that Belliveau’s last involvement in an organized event in Washington culminated in a riot, linking his actions to the violent felony he was charged with—an act that disrupted the peaceful transfer of power. They stated, “The most compelling reason to deny Belliveau’s motion is that allowing his travel to Washington, D.C. places Capitol Police Officers in danger.” They further argued that despite his claims of a non-violent past, his previous willingness to confront law enforcement during the insurrection raised significant concerns.
Belliveau is accused of using bear spray against police during the Capitol riot and has pleaded not guilty. In support of his motion, he emphasized his presumption of innocence, stating, “the mere fact that he is charged does not suggest that he is inherently more dangerous than any other person.”
Another defendant, Cindy Young, who was found guilty on multiple charges last August, has also requested permission to attend the inauguration. In a court filing dated December 11, her attorney highlighted that she had abided by her release conditions for over a year. Her legal representative asserted, “She poses no threat of danger to the community and is not a risk of flight,” noting previous successful trips to Washington without incident.
Nevertheless, federal prosecutors opposed Young’s request, arguing that she has publicly supported retributive sentiments toward those involved in the January 6 prosecutions, including jurors and law enforcement. They indicated that Young’s past comments could create a hostile environment, particularly for officers who would be tasked with ensuring security during the inauguration. The judge has yet to decide on her request.
William Pope, who is also a defendant from January 6 and is representing himself in court, has made a similar request. In a recent filing, Pope expressed, “I now move the Court for permission to travel to Washington, D.C. for the purpose of attending the Presidential Inauguration on January 20, 2025.” While he initially declined an invitation due to his discomfort with being in Washington, he has since changed his mind, stating it would be inappropriate to reject the invitation. Pope has also pleaded not guilty and has a trial scheduled for May. The specifics regarding who invited him were not disclosed in the court documents, and the Justice Department has yet to release a response to his request.
Former President Trump has indicated intentions to pardon at least some individuals charged or convicted in relation to the January 6 events. According to the latest reports from the Justice Department, nearly 1,000 defendants have admitted guilt, with about 600 facing specific charges related to assaults on police. The agency continues its pursuit of fugitives linked to the events, with further arrests likely on the horizon.
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Scott MacFarlane is a congressional correspondent. He has covered Washington for two decades, earning 20 Emmy and Edward R. Murrow awards. His reporting has resulted directly in the passage of five new laws.
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