Federal court hands win to Capitol riot defendants, rules they may be eligible for release
By Celine Castronuovo - 03/26/21 07:58 PM EDT
A federal appeals court on Friday ruled that a mother-son duo who face charges in connection with the Jan. 6 Capitol riot may be eligible for a pretrial release, arguing that they do not pose a continued danger to the public.
The appeals court for the Washington, D.C., Circuit ruled that Lisa Eisenhart and and her son, Eric Munchel, who face multiple charges including conspiracy and violent entry or disorderly conduct, “had a unique opportunity to obstruct democracy on January 6 because of the electoral college vote tally taking place that day, and the concurrently scheduled rallies and protests.â€
Writing for the majority, Judge Robert Wilkins argued, “Because Munchel and Eisenhart did not vandalize any property or commit violence, the presence of the group was critical to their ability to obstruct the vote and to cause danger to the community.â€
“Without it, Munchel and Eisenhart—two individuals who did not engage in any violence and who were not involved in planning or coordinating the activities—seemingly would have posed little threat,†Wilkins added.
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https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/545183-federal-court-hands-win-to-capitol-riot-defendants-rules-they-may-be
