A federal judge's unexpected decision involves a January 6 participant seeking to attend Donald Trump's upcoming presidential inauguration.
According to the New York Post, DC federal Judge Tanya Chutkan has granted Eric Peterson permission to travel to Washington, DC, for Trump's January 20 inauguration, despite Peterson's recent guilty plea for his role in the Capitol riot.
Peterson, a Kansas City business owner and military veteran, admitted to entering and remaining in a restricted building during the January 6 Capitol breach. His involvement in the riot lasted approximately eight minutes, during which he entered the Capitol's Rotunda after other rioters broke inside while chanting "This is our house!"
Peterson's attorney, Michael Bullotta, emphasized that his client was not accused of violence or vandalism during the Capitol breach. The lawyer argued that Peterson was unaware of others committing assaults and property damage at the time of his entry. The prosecution did not file any opposition to Peterson's travel request.
The convicted rioter faces potential imprisonment of up to one year, with his sentencing scheduled for January 27. Currently free without bail, Peterson must adhere to specific travel restrictions, which normally would prevent him from traveling to Washington, DC. This special dispensation from Judge Chutkan allows him to attend the inauguration despite these limitations.
Bullotta's request to the court included a notable reference to the incoming Trump administration's announced plans to pardon all Capitol rioters, suggesting that Peterson's sentencing might become "moot."
Judge Chutkan, who previously dismissed election interference charges against Trump on November 25, has shown significant involvement in cases related to the former president. The dismissal came after Special Counsel Jack Smith moved to drop the case, citing presidential immunity following Trump's reelection.
The case represents part of a larger pattern of legal developments surrounding Trump and January 6 participants. At least two other Capitol rioters with more serious charges have made similar requests to attend the inauguration, though prosecutors are opposing these requests.
Peterson's lawyer referenced Trump's campaign statement through this court filing:
This will likely be rendered moot, given the incoming Trump administration has already announced plans to pardon all of the Capitol rioters.
The federal government's evidence against Peterson included surveillance footage showing him wearing a distinctive bright pink shirt inside the Capitol. He entered the building's restricted grounds on the east side and stood outside the Rotunda until other rioters breached the entrance.
Peterson's case intertwines with several other legal matters involving Trump, including the dismissal of classified documents charges at Mar-a-Lago and developments in Georgia, where Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and her office were removed from Trump's case. However, Trump faced a setback when Manhattan Judge Juan Merchan rejected his presidential immunity defense in the hush money case.
Eric Peterson, who admitted to charges related to the January 6 Capitol riot, has been granted permission to attend Donald Trump's January 20 inauguration in Washington, DC. This decision, approved by Judge Tanya Chutkan, comes as Peterson awaits sentencing on January 27 for his role in unlawfully entering the Capitol during the riot.
His planned presence at the inauguration is notable, especially in light of Trump’s declared intention to pardon individuals involved in the Capitol riot if he returns to office.
