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Within the first legal trial for the reason that assault on the US Capitol by Trump supporters on January 6, prosecutors charged a Texas man with main the assault.
Man Reffitt, 49, of Wylie, Texas, faces costs of bringing a gun to Washington, battling law enforcement officials, and impeding an official continuing.
It’s anticipated that Reffitt’s youngsters will testify towards him on the trial, which is carefully watched for its potential to have an effect on future prosecutions of January 6 defendants.
Additionally learn | US Capitol Hill assault: First trial begins, more likely to be watched carefully
In his opening assertion, Prosecutor Jeffrey Nestler described Reffitt as a pacesetter of the “worst assault on the Capitol for the reason that Battle of 1812,” when British troops set hearth to the Capitol.
Nestler stated that mobs want leaders, and Reffitt, a member of a right-wing group referred to as the Three Percenters, was “the tip of this mob’s spear.”
“He lit the match that began the fireplace,” Nestler stated.
William Welch, Reffitt’s defence lawyer, stated that his consumer didn’t really enter the Capitol constructing or assault anybody.
Over 750 individuals have been arrested for his or her roles within the failed effort to stop Congress from certifying Democrat Joe Biden’s victory within the November 2020 presidential election.
Reffitt is the primary individual to face legal costs for his or her function within the violent storming of the Capitol. Practically 220 individuals have already pleaded responsible.
Additionally learn | Donald Trump teases presidential run, says would pardon Capitol Hill assault accused
In response to the affidavit supporting his arrest, Reffitt travelled from Texas to Washington with one other member of the Three Percenters.
Police launched pictures exhibiting Reffitt holding a black helmet and bulletproof vest on the steps of the Capitol. One among these exhibits Reffitt washing out his eyes with water after being pepper-sprayed by Capitol police.
In response to the affidavit, Reffitt’s teenage son and daughter informed the FBI that, upon his return to Texas, their father threatened them in the event that they cooperated with police.
“When you flip me in, you are a traitor and what occurs to traitors… traitors get shot,” Reffitt was quoted as saying.
Watch | Capitol Hill riots: ‘No delicate paperwork would have been torn up,’ says former Trump Adviser
On January 19, 2021, FBI brokers arrested Reffitt and recovered an AR-15 rifle and Smith & Wesson pistol from his Wylie, Texas, residence.
Since his arrest, Reffitt has been in jail in Washington. If convicted, he might spend as much as 20 years in jail.
Thus far, the utmost sentence meted out to a riot participant is 5 years in jail.
(With inputs from companies)
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