DOJ Urges Judge to Deny Jan. 6 Defendant’s Request to Attend Inauguration
Federal prosecutors have recently made a compelling argument against allowing a defendant convicted for participating in the January 6 attack on the Capitol to attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration next month. Cindy Young, a resident of New Hampshire, was convicted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on four misdemeanor charges earlier this year. These charges stem from her involvement in the Capitol riot, and she was sentenced to four months of incarceration along with a term of probation.
Prosecutors’ Argument for Denial
Cindy Young had filed a request seeking permission to attend the inauguration, claiming that she posed no threat to the community and was not a flight risk. However, prosecutors from the Department of Justice strongly opposed this request, citing Young’s history of making threats of “retribution” against jurors, judges, and law enforcement officials involved in Capitol breach cases since January 6.
According to prosecutors, Young has openly mocked officers who were attacked by the pro-Trump mob during the Capitol riot. Allowing her to attend an event that will be staffed by law enforcement would not only pose a danger but also inflict further harm on the officers she has publicly ridiculed.
Similar Requests from Other Defendants
Young is not the only Jan. 6 defendant seeking permission to attend Trump’s inauguration. Retired Republican Rep. Chris Stewart invited Russell Taylor, a California man who pleaded guilty to a felony related to the Capitol riot, to the event. However, Taylor’s history of advocating for violence and leading a mob during the riot has raised concerns. Judge Royce Lamberth, overseeing Taylor’s case, has yet to decide on his request to attend the inauguration.
Another defendant, Eric Peterson, has also requested permission to travel to Washington for the inauguration, adding to the complexity of the situation.
In conclusion, the Department of Justice has presented a strong case urging the judge to deny Cindy Young’s request to attend the upcoming inauguration, emphasizing the potential risks and implications of allowing convicted individuals involved in the Capitol riot to participate in such events.
