A judge recently rejected a request from a January 6 defendant to attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration later this month despite being invited by four members of Congress. According to reports, Russel Taylor was accused of organizing a group of “fighters” to travel to the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Taylor eventually pleaded guilty to obstructing an official proceeding.
In a statement issued last week, U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth said “the particular nature and severity of Mr. Taylor’s conduct at the Capitol Riots counsel against giving him the permission to travel that he now seeks.” He added, “To attend the Presidential Inauguration, which celebrates and honors the peaceful transfer of power, is an immense privilege.”
Lamberth further argued that it would be inappropriate for the defendant to attend the event. “It would not be appropriate for the Court to grant permission to attend such a hallowed event to someone who carried weapons and threatened police officers in an attempt to thwart the last Inauguration, and who openly glorified ‘[i]nsurrection’ against the United States,” the judge continued.
Weighing in on the issue, Taylor’s attorney Dyke E. Huish explained that Taylor was “disappointed” but had the “utmost respect” for the judge. The lawyer said that Lamberth “has continued to treat my client with respect and given him fair consideration.” Huish noted, While this ruling is disappointing, as my client is a huge supporter of president elect Trump, he does understand the court denial of his request.”
Former Rep. Chris Stewart (R-UT) penned a letter to Judge Lambert in December explaining his invitation to Taylor. “It is my pleasure, as the U.S. Representative for the Second District, State of Utah (retired), and former officer in the United States Air Force, to extend an invitation to Russ Taylor, his wife, and three children to attend the United States Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C. on the 20th of January 2025. Three other current members of the Utah congressional delegation join with me in extending this invitation,” the former congressman said.
Praising Taylor’s character, he noted, “Russ Taylor is a man of integrity and faith who has served those who are less fortunate. He is constant in his service to members of his local church congregation and others not of his faith in his community. Russ is a successful entrepreneur and business owner with his wife. He is caring father and reveres his family, his faith, and his love of our Country as his highest priority in life. He is admired by many, and especially those in his community. Russ’ passion for what is right and good is reflected in his intentions to lift others. I am honored to extend this invitation for him to attend the Inauguration as my guest.”
Subsequently, Huish filed a request on December 11, petitioning Lamberth to allow Taylor to travel for the inauguration, as his terms of probation prevent him from traveling without permission. Huish claimed that his client has “has remained compliant with all Court Orders and has not given any indications of trouble or concern,” adding that Taylor “has demonstrated over and over again that he is trustworthy in his travel.” However, Lamberth maintained that Taylor must be held responsible for his actions.
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