Judges Approve Some Capitol Riot Defendants to Attend Trump’s Inauguration

At least 11 January 6 defendants under court supervision have been granted permission to attend, while others were denied over security concerns.

Federal judges have allowed at least 11 January 6 defendants to attend President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration in Washington, D.C., on Monday.
Prosecutors opposed many requests, citing risks of potential violence and concerns for Capitol police officers' safety and well-being.
Defendants who received approval include individuals charged with misdemeanors or nonviolent offenses, while those with violent charges, such as assaulting police officers, were denied.
Some defendants plan to advocate for Trump to issue pardons for January 6 participants, fulfilling a campaign promise he has repeatedly mentioned.
Judges emphasized the peaceful nature of the inauguration compared to the Capitol riot, with one ruling that credible evidence of future danger was required to deny attendance.