A Trump supporter who is on trial on January 6 charges says he was ‘very comfortable’ in the senator’s chair
WASHINGTON — A supporter of Donald Trump, who still believes the 2020 presidential election was stolen, told jurors at his trial on Tuesday that he “felt very comfortable” while sitting in the senator’s seat during the January 6 attack on the US Capitol.
Brandon FellowesHe, who called January 6 a “beautiful day” and said he was impressed by the fact that senators and congressmen feared for their lives, is representing himself in a trial that began last week.
“We should have re-elected,” Fellowes said from the podium on Tuesday. “It was stolen.”
Fellowes faces a federal felony charge of obstruction of an official proceeding and aiding and abetting as well as misdemeanors related to the Capitol attack. He is also accused of smoking marijuana inside a stash office belonging to Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore.
“I didn’t know it was the senator’s office,” said Fellowes. “I felt very comfortable.”
Fellowes said he believed he was fighting against a “corrupt government” on January 6, but said he did not take part in the violence himself, even if he supported it. Fellowes said he believes some violence on January 6 is better than more violence in the future.
“It’s the home of the people,” said Fellowes. “We had the right to overthrow him.”
After the jury left the courtroom Tuesday morning for a short break, US District Judge Trevor McFadden said he believed Fellowes had forfeited his right to appeal because, when answering questions during government cross-examination, he offered an ongoing trial. Comment and avoid answering yes or no questions.
“I would expect nothing less from Kangaroo Court,” Fellowes said as he emerged from the witness stand.
McFadden, a Trump appointee, has criticized the government’s approach to some of the Jan. 6 cases, often handing down sentences far short of those sought by the government.
The jury finished hearing evidence on Tuesday afternoon, after Fellows’ testimony. Jury instructions are expected Tuesday afternoon, followed by closing arguments.
About 1,100 people have been charged in connection with the January 6 attack on the US Capitol, and more than 300 defendants have been sentenced to prison terms. This week, another federal judge will sentence five members of the Proud Boys, four of whom were convicted of conspiracy to sedition. government is Pursuit 33-year prison terms for two of the defendants – Enrique Tarrio and Joseph Biggs – in addition to prison terms of 30 years for Zachary Riehl, 27 years for Ethan Nordin, and 20 years for Dominic Pezzola, the only defendant who was not convicted of sedition charges. conspiracy charge.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
