The Jan. 6 rioters submitted a letter inviting the former Republican lawmaker to attend President-elect Trump's inauguration in Washington, D.C., next month.
Russell Taylor, from California, pleaded guilty in 2023 to obstructing an official government proceeding. After pleading guilty, he testified against members of an anti-government militia and was ultimately sentenced to prison.
On Wednesday, his attorney Dyke Huesch asked U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth, a judge appointed by former President Ronald Reagan, to allow his client to attend President Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025. I have filed a request.
Wednesday's filing featured a letter from former Rep. Chris Stewart (R-Utah) saying he would invite Taylor, his wife and three children to the presidential inauguration. Ta.
“Russ is a successful entrepreneur and business owner along with his wife. He is a caring father who respects family, faith, and love of country as his top priorities in life. He is especially respected by those in his community. Russ' passion for what is right and good is reflected in his intent to uplift others.” I wrote in a letter.
“Three other current members of Utah's Congressional delegation will be joining us,” Stewart said.
Please extend this invitation with me. ” Stewart did not say which members of the Utah delegation participated in the invitation.
Stewart wrote on January 6, 2021, without mentioning Taylor's alleged actions, “I am honored to have him as my guest at the inauguration.”
Prosecutors told Taylor: “With an exposed knife on his bulletproof chest and carrying bear spray, a hatchet, and other weapons in his backpack, he led a mob past police lines on the inauguration stage and stormed the Capitol.'' ”
Lamberth sentenced Taylor to six months of home confinement, which he has already served. Taylor is currently on probation.
Since 2021, more than 1,500 people have been charged with crimes related to the Capitol breach. According to To the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia.
