Federal Judge Bars Capitol Riot Participants From Washington, DC, Without Permission
A federal judge issued an order Friday barring eight participants in the Capitol riot from entering Washington, DC, without prior court approval. The ruling came just hours after former President Donald Trump expressed openness to hosting individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, storming of the Capitol at the White House.
Judge Mehta Imposes Strict Restrictions
US District Judge Amit Mehta’s directive specifically targets those who received sentence commutations from Trump but were not granted full pardons. This includes Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes, who recently visited Capitol Hill just two days after Trump voided his 18-year sentence for seditious conspiracy.
“The court hereby amends the conditions of supervised release … to include the following special conditions,” Judge Mehta wrote in the order.
The ruling prohibits the individuals from “knowingly entering the District of Columbia without first obtaining permission from the Court” and sets a similar restriction on entry to the United States Capitol and its surrounding grounds.
Judge Mehta, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, also serves on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court.
Who Is Affected by the Order?
The restrictions apply to eight individuals:
- Stewart Rhodes
- Kelly Meggs
- Kenneth Harrelson
- Jessica Watkins
- Roberto Minuta
- Edward Vallejo
- David Moerchel
- Joseph Hackett
These individuals are among the 14 people who received clemency from Trump but did not receive full pardons. Their sentences were commuted, but legal supervision remains in effect.
Trump’s Clemency Moves and Controversial Remarks
On Monday, Trump granted clemency to more than 1,500 people who participated in the January 6 riot, which disrupted the certification of the Electoral College results. Among them, 14 individuals’ sentences were commuted but not fully pardoned. Trump hinted that their cases could still “go to a full pardon” in the future.
It remains unclear whether Judge Mehta’s order will prompt Trump to reconsider clemency measures for those under legal restrictions.
Trump Open to Hosting Capitol Rioters
During a Thursday press event in the Oval Office, Trump, 78, expressed willingness to host some of the January 6 participants at the White House.
“I don’t know. I’m sure that they probably would like to. I did them something important, but what they did is they were protesting a crooked election. I mean, people understand that also, and they were treated very badly,” Trump stated.
He continued, “Nobody’s been treated like that. So I’d be open to it, certainly. I don’t know of anything like that, but I think they’re going to meet with some of the congresspeople — congressmen, women — want to meet [them], but I’d certainly be open to it.”
What’s Next?
The new restrictions underscore the ongoing legal scrutiny surrounding the events of January 6, 2021. While Trump’s clemency decisions continue to draw both praise and criticism, the courts remain firm in ensuring accountability for those involved.
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