Judge Denies January 6 Defendant's Request to Attend Trump's Inauguration

 Judge Rejects January 6 Defendant's Request to Attend Trump's Inauguration

Russell Taylor at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Jan. 4, 2025, 7:52 AM GMT+6 / Updated Jan. 4, 2025, 9:22 AM GMT+6

WASHINGTON — A judge has denied a request from a January 6 defendant to attend President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, despite an invitation from a former member of Congress, according to a court order released Friday.

Russell Taylor, who was accused of organizing a group of "fighters" to travel to Washington, D.C. on January 6, 2021, pleaded guilty in 2023 to obstructing an official proceeding and later cooperated with the government by testifying against the Three Percenters militia.

U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth, in his ruling, stated that the "nature and severity of Mr. Taylor's conduct during the Capitol Riots" made it inappropriate to grant his request to travel. The judge cited Taylor's actions before and during the attack on the Capitol in his decision.

Lamberth emphasized the privilege of attending the Presidential Inauguration, noting that it honors the peaceful transfer of power. "It would not be appropriate for the Court to allow someone who carried weapons, threatened police officers, and sought to disrupt the previous Inauguration, while also glorifying insurrection against the United States, to attend such an event," Lamberth said.

Taylor’s attorney, Dyke E. Huish, expressed disappointment but stated that Taylor holds "the utmost respect" for the judge’s decisions. Huish added that Taylor understood the denial and would watch the inauguration on television from home. The defense does not plan to appeal the ruling.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's office for D.C. referenced prior filings that opposed Taylor’s request to travel to Washington. In December, the office filed a motion urging the court not to overlook his past criminal conduct at the Capitol.

Former Rep. Chris Stewart, R-Utah, had written a letter to the judge in December inviting Taylor to the inauguration. Stewart praised Taylor in his letter, stating that he was admired by many, especially in his community, and that Taylor's passion for doing what was right had a positive impact.

Huish had filed the request on December 11, arguing that Taylor had adhered to all court orders and had proven to be trustworthy in his travel, demonstrating good behavior throughout his probation and home confinement.

Lamberth acknowledged that Taylor had taken responsibility for his actions and provided substantial assistance to the government, which contributed to his lighter sentence compared to other January 6 defendants. However, the judge concluded that Taylor's cooperation did not reduce the seriousness of his actions on January 6, nor did it justify granting the travel request.

Taylor is not the only January 6 defendant who sought permission to attend the inauguration. Other defendants, such as Christopher Belliveau, had their requests denied, while Eric Peterson's request was granted. William Pope has yet to receive a decision on his request, according to court records.