Justin LaGesse, a 37-year-old Illinois resident, received an 11-month prison sentence and was ordered to pay $43,315 in restitution for his role in the January 6th Capitol riot. He pleaded guilty to felony destruction of government property after using a flagpole to break a Capitol window and verbally assaulting police officers. LaGesse’s actions, which included shouting insults at law enforcement, were captured on surveillance footage. The sentencing follows over 1,500 other charges related to the Capitol breach.
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In stark contrast to the January 6th, 2021 insurrection, this year’s joint session to certify the presidential election proceeded with minimal disruption. A single lone protestor stood outside the heavily secured Capitol building, a far cry from the violent mob that stormed the building four years prior. Inside, the certification of Donald Trump’s electoral victory unfolded with a noticeable lack of dissent, despite the gravity of the event and the implications for American democracy. The quiet acquiescence of the Democratic party and the celebratory response of Republicans highlighted a deep partisan divide and raised questions about the country’s ability to withstand future challenges to the democratic process.
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Protests in Washington D.C. are urging Congress to prevent President-elect Trump’s inauguration, citing the 14th Amendment’s disqualification clause for those who engaged in insurrection. While some legal experts argue this action is constitutionally permissible, based on Trump’s actions surrounding the January 6th Capitol riot, the movement, “14th Now,” is unlikely to sway Congress, which intends to certify the election results. Despite legal challenges in state courts, the Supreme Court prevented states from barring presidential candidates, leaving the question of Trump’s eligibility unresolved. Trump’s transition team maintains he will serve all Americans.
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Thousands are protesting in Washington D.C. this weekend to prevent Donald Trump’s inauguration, arguing that the 14th Amendment bars him from office due to his involvement in the January 6th Capitol riot. Led by Trump’s former staffer Jessica Denson and supported by legal experts, the “#14thNow” movement aims to pressure lawmakers to reject Trump’s electoral votes. Success would result in Vice President Kamala Harris becoming president. Legal scholars contend that sufficient congressional objection to Trump’s electoral votes, based on the 14th Amendment and the findings of the January 6th Committee, could disqualify him.
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Representative Annie Kuster, citing the January 6th Capitol riot and its impact on her ability to work effectively in an increasingly polarized Congress, announced her retirement. Kuster, who narrowly escaped the rioters, stated that the events of that day, and the subsequent actions of individuals like Elon Musk, influenced her decision. She also expressed concerns about President Biden’s ability to win re-election against Donald Trump. Ultimately, her retirement reflects a desire for a less combative political environment.
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Retired Metropolitan Police Department Lt. Shane Lamond was found guilty on all four counts—obstruction of justice and three counts of making false statements—for leaking confidential information to Enrique Tarrio, the former chairman of the Proud Boys. The evidence presented showed Lamond tipped off Tarrio about an impending arrest warrant and exchanged messages with him regarding the January 6th Capitol riot. Lamond’s defense, that he did not provide Tarrio with sensitive information, was rejected by Judge Amy Berman Jackson. Lamond’s sentencing is scheduled for April 3rd.
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U.S. District Judge Jennifer Hall dismissed a defamation lawsuit against Fox News filed by Raymond Epps, who alleged the network’s false reporting linking him to the January 6th Capitol riot incited death threats. The judge granted Fox’s motion to dismiss without explanation. Epps, a former Marine, had cited Tucker Carlson’s promotion of the conspiracy theory as the source of his harassment. This dismissal follows similar dismissals of defamation suits against Fox News by Nina Jankowicz and Tony Bobulinski, leading Fox to cite these decisions as upholding First Amendment press freedoms.
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Attorney General Merrick Garland’s delayed appointment of a special counsel in the January 6th case remains questionable, potentially impacting the timing and outcome of investigations. Trump’s legal victories, including favorable judicial assignments and Supreme Court rulings, highlight his remarkable luck and the strategic timing of key legal decisions. These rulings significantly bolster Trump’s legal position, potentially leading to dismissals of criminal charges and favorable civil case outcomes. The Supreme Court’s decision on presidential immunity further empowers Trump, suggesting a significant impact on future presidential actions.
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Following the dismissal of the federal case against Donald Trump regarding his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election, Attorney General Merrick Garland faced sharp criticism from left-leaning figures. The case was dropped due to the Department of Justice’s policy against prosecuting sitting presidents, a decision that special counsel Jack Smith supported. Critics argued that Garland’s perceived delays, including the timing of Smith’s appointment, contributed to Trump’s 2024 electoral victory and allowed him to avoid accountability. While the dismissal was without prejudice, allowing for future prosecution, the move sparked intense debate regarding Garland’s handling of the investigation and its broader implications.
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Special Counsel Jack Smith dismissed the January 6th and classified documents cases against Donald Trump due to Justice Department policy barring the prosecution of a sitting president, though the dismissals were without prejudice. While the Georgia election interference case remains, its viability is uncertain due to ongoing appeals. Consequently, Trump avoids legal consequences for several indictments, including a conviction, setting a concerning precedent for future presidents. This impunity, combined with potential political retribution against prosecutors, suggests a future presidency operating largely beyond legal accountability.
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John Q. Hosedrinker