A former Republican House member and three current members of Congress from Utah invited a Jan. 6 defendant to President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. The defendant, Russell Taylor, pleaded guilty to obstruction of an official proceeding and cooperated with the government against members of the Three Percenters militia group. Taylor led a mob at the Capitol, wearing weapons and tactical gear including a knife, bulletproof vest, bear spray, and a hatchet. His lawyer filed a motion for him to travel to Washington for the inauguration with his family. One of the Congress members who invited Taylor, former Rep. Chris Stewart, described him as a caring father with a passion for good causes. Stewart’s invitation was supported by three other members of the Utah delegation.
Taylor organized a group of “fighters” to travel to Washington on Jan. 6 in response to Trump’s call for a “wild” day. He expressed intentions to breach the doors of the Capitol and was noted for his gear including hatchets and stun batons. After the attack, Taylor expressed pride in storming the Capitol and pushing through traitors. He testified against his co-conspirators, leading to their imprisonment, and was described by the judge as a model for Jan. 6 defendants in handling their cases.
Trump has previously praised the Jan. 6 rioters, calling them “patriots” and expressing a willingness to pardon them. More than 1,570 individuals have been charged in relation to the Jan. 6 attack, with over 600 rioters sentenced to incarceration. Prosecutors have emphasized the importance of truth and justice in the cases related to the attack.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com