Judge Blocks Capitol Rioter’s Bold Request to Attend Trump’s Inauguration After Leading January 6 Mob!
A federal judge has denied a request from Russell Taylor, a January 6 Capitol rioter, to leave house arrest for one day to attend Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration this month. U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth explained that it would be inappropriate for Taylor, given his involvement in the events of January 6, 2021, where he attempted to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden’s election victory.
Taylor, who lives in California, was invited to the inauguration by former GOP congressman Chris Stewart of Utah, a family friend. Stewart even appealed to the court on Taylor’s behalf. Taylor’s attorney, Dyke E. Huish, described the situation as a simple request, explaining that Stewart invited Taylor as a friend and wrote a letter asking for his attendance. However, Judge Lamberth rejected the request, emphasizing the seriousness of Taylor’s previous actions.
The judge noted that Taylor had admitted to his role in the Capitol riot and shown accountability and good behavior while on probation. However, this was not enough to outweigh the gravity of his past actions. Lamberth stated that attending a presidential inauguration, a ceremony honoring the peaceful transfer of power, is a significant privilege. Allowing someone who disrupted a prior inauguration to attend would not be appropriate.
Judge Lamberth cited Taylor’s role in the January 6 attack, where he carried weapons, including a knife, bear spray, and a hatchet, while wearing a bulletproof vest. Taylor had also organized a group to travel to Washington, D.C., with the intent to disrupt Congress’s certification of the election results. Prosecutors described him as a leader in the mob, highlighting his calls for followers to “march into the Capitol” and his actions in leading an assault on police officers at the inaugural stage.
Prosecutors argued that Taylor’s leadership in the attack went beyond words, as he actively participated in the violence and chaos. Taylor ultimately pleaded guilty to obstructing an official proceeding and was sentenced to six months of home detention last year. Despite his cooperation and good conduct since, Judge Lamberth stressed that these do not erase the severity of his actions on January 6.
The decision underscores the continuing legal and moral consequences for individuals involved in the Capitol riot. Taylor’s request to attend the inauguration was seen as inconsistent with the event’s purpose, which is to celebrate the democratic process and the peaceful transfer of power. Taylor will remain under house arrest and will not be allowed to attend the event.
