WASHINGTON — Following the tumultuous events surrounding the 2020 presidential election, thousands of supporters of Donald Trump invaded the U.S. Capitol. Fast forward four years, a number of those involved in the January 6th incident have sought permission to return to Washington, D.C. to honor Trump’s anticipated second inauguration.
At least 20 individuals who were either charged or convicted for their participation in the January 6 uprising have submitted requests to federal judges to attend the forthcoming inauguration of President-elect Trump. This information emerged from a recent review of court documents.
The majority of these requests have been granted, while others were not. Legal representatives from the Justice Department often contend that those implicated in the Capitol riot should not be permitted to revisit the location of their past misconduct while still under court supervision.
A prosecutor expressed concern in a statement opposing a couple’s travel request from New York, saying, “What’s in the past can easily lead to a reoccurrence of mob violence.” At least 11 defendants have been granted permission to participate in the inauguration, amid speculation that Trump may issue mass pardons to those involved in the riots. Conversely, at least eight requests have been turned down, with one still awaiting a decision as of Saturday.
Others who have completed their sentences for their involvement are likely to be able to attend without issue. Typically, individuals still under court supervision—whether through arrest, probation, or post-release conditions—must secure judicial approval to travel beyond their local districts.
Among those allowed to participate is Deborah Lynn Lee from Pennsylvania, who faced accusations of inciting violence against political adversaries prior to the Capitol incident. She was charged in August 2021 and subsequently convicted of four misdemeanors last October. Sentencing is set for January 27. Prosecutor Carlos Valdivia voiced that Lee’s attendance could pose risks to Capitol police officers and create an “absurd situation.” Valdivia emphasized the need to maintain community safety as Lee had previously been restricted from entering D.C.
However, Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui approved Lee’s request, clarifying that her prior actions did not involve violence and she had adhered to the conditions of her release. The judge determined that Lee’s intent was to celebrate rather than protest this time around. Furthermore, Faruqui noted, “Predicting the future requires credible evidence of imminent danger to impose any release conditions.”
Meanwhile, District Judge John Bates allowed a couple from New York, Carol and Kevin Moore, to attend the inauguration, despite prosecutors’ arguments that their presence could “retraumatize” law enforcement who were on duty during the riot. Judge Bates remarked that it was improbable that any officers would even recognize the Moores.
“While the past is significant, the nature of the inauguration is distinctly different from previous events,” the judge stated, pointing out that the inauguration would be supported by a crowd favoring a peaceful power transition rather than opposing it.
The Moores plan to attend with signs advocating for Trump to fulfill a campaign promise to pardon Capitol rioters on his first day back in office. Trump has often referred to those arrested on January 6 as “patriots” and “hostages.”
Others granted permission include a New Jersey man who reported himself to the FBI, a woman from New Hampshire who is to serve a brief prison term, and a New Jersey man accused of encouraging riots through a bullhorn.
Prosecutors did not object to the attendance of Rebecca Lavrenz, a Colorado bed-and-breakfast operator who identifies as the “J6 praying grandma,” as she remains on probation. Lavrenz mentioned that her daughter is involved in organizing Monday’s swearing-in ceremony after having worked on Trump’s campaign.
Many others have been denied access, including Jared Miller, a Virginia resident facing police assault charges. Miller’s attorney asserted that the inauguration situation is vastly different from the riot, arguing that gathering support for a leader does not equate to threats.
Despite the assessment, District Judge Rudolph Contreras denied Miller’s request, emphasizing the serious nature of his charges.
Russell Taylor of California, who was armed with a knife and hatchet during the uprising, was invited by former U.S. Representative Chris Stewart. However, District Judge Royce Lamberth, who sentenced Taylor to home detention, deemed it inappropriate for someone who attempted to obstruct the last presidential inauguration to be present at such a significant event.
Judges also declined the travel requests from a North Carolina man implicated in early violence against Capitol police, a Mississippi resident accused of assaulting officers with a flagpole, and a Maine man charged with using bear spray against law enforcement.
