WASHINGTON – Tommy Tatum of Mississippi, facing multiple felony charges for allegedly assaulting law enforcement officers on Jan. 6, 2021, hoped to attend Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration. However, prosecutors opposed the request, concerned that Tatum might encounter officers he is accused of attacking. A federal judge agreed that Tatum poses a potential threat and ruled to restrict his travel to Washington, D.C., while awaiting trial, joining other recent judgments barring Jan. 6 defendants from participating in events celebrating Trump’s return to office.
The judge noted Tatum’s alleged violent behavior and emphasized the need to continue monitoring his movements. With nearly 1,600 individuals charged in connection to the deadly Capitol attack looking to Trump for potential pardons, some defendants have sought permission to attend the inauguration with varying outcomes.
For instance, Eric Lee Peterson, facing misdemeanors for disorderly conduct at the Capitol, received approval to travel from Kansas City to witness the swearing-in ceremony. In contrast, Christopher Belliveau, accused of attacking an officer outside the Capitol, was denied the opportunity despite his lawyers’ arguments of his innocence and positive character traits.
Another defendant, Russell Taylor of California, was also denied a travel request, even though he had a personal invitation from a member of Congress. Taylor’s involvement in the events on Jan. 6, including supplying weapons and engaging in confrontations with police, led the judge to reject his plea to attend the inauguration with his family.
These rulings reflect the varying circumstances and severity of charges faced by Jan. 6 defendants seeking permission to participate in events related to Trump’s presidency.
A federal judge has denied requests from several January 6 rioters seeking permission to attend former President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Judge Royce Lamberth, in his ruling, cited concerns about potential threats posed by the rioters, including William Pope of Topeka, Kansas, and Cindy Young, who were both involved in the Capitol breach.
Cindy Young, convicted of four misdemeanors in August for her role in the Capitol incident, was sentenced to four months in prison and a year of probation. Despite her lawyers’ arguments that she does not pose a threat, government lawyers highlighted Young’s actions on January 6, including her involvement in disrupting Congress’ certification of President Joe Biden’s victory. Young reportedly only left the Capitol after another rioter was shot to death. The Justice Department also raised concerns about Young’s calls for retribution against jurors, judges, and law enforcement officers involved in prosecuting January 6 defendants.
Meanwhile, prosecutors expressed apprehensions about the potential danger posed by William Pope, who faces charges of obstructing Congress, civil disorder, and entering the Capitol on January 6. Pope, from Topeka, Kansas, assured a federal judge that his return trips to Washington since 2021 had been peaceful. However, government lawyers emphasized Pope’s active participation on January 6, stating that he had been at the forefront of the crowd that breached the Capitol, leading to chaos and violence.
The denial of these requests comes amid ongoing legal proceedings against individuals involved in the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Prosecutors underscored the severity of the events on that day, noting that the rioters’ actions resulted in the injury of numerous law enforcement officers and multiple fatalities. The filing by prosecutors emphasized the chaos and violence unleashed by the rioters, forcing elected officials and staff to flee or seek shelter within the Capitol.
The judge’s decision to reject the requests to attend Trump’s inauguration reflects the seriousness with which the court is handling cases related to the Capitol breach. Concerns about potential threats and the disruptive behavior exhibited by the rioters on January 6 have led to stringent measures being put in place to ensure the safety and security of all involved parties.
As legal proceedings continue, individuals implicated in the Capitol insurrection are facing scrutiny and consequences for their actions. The denial of requests for attendance at the inauguration serves as a reminder of the accountability being sought for those involved in the events of January 6, 2021.
