Former Republican House member and three current members of Congress from Utah invited Jan. 6 defendant Russell Taylor to President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration following his guilty plea for obstructing an official proceeding. Taylor organized a group of “fighters” to travel to Washington and was a key figure in leading a mob that overran a police line at the Capitol on Jan. 6. His lawyer filed a motion requesting permission for Taylor to attend the inauguration with his family. Former Rep. Chris Stewart of Utah extended the invitation along with three other members of the congressional delegation. Stewart described Taylor as a caring father who reveres his family, faith, and country. Taylor was sentenced to probation and home detention but completed his confinement successfully. He testified against his co-conspirators, leading to prison sentences for them. Taylor expressed regret for his actions on Jan. 6, stating that he went too far. In a separate development, U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth emphasized the principles of truth and justice in Jan. 6 related cases, warning of the peril of letting the peaceful transfer of power slip away. Over 1,570 people have been charged for crimes related to the Capitol attack, with over 1,100 convictions and more than 600 rioters sentenced to incarceration. Former President Trump has expressed support for Jan. 6 rioters, potentially considering pardons for them and suggesting that members of Congress who served on the House Jan. 6 committee should go to jail.
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Former GOP lawmaker invites Jan. 6 defendant to Trump’s inauguration
