They drove to Washington, D.C., claiming to be patriots and seeking to renounce what they called the injustice of the presidential election. They returned home wanted by the law.
Authorities say this photo captures Christine Priola of Willoughby on Jan. 6 in the U.S. Capitol. [Getty Images photo]CLEVELAND, Ohio – They drove to Washington, D.C., claiming to be patriots and seeking to renounce what they called the injustice of the presidential election.in the attack on Capitol Hill through mid-December, according to federal court filings and George Washington University, which has tracked the cases.
“Lawyers know that there aren’t enough hours in the day and enough days in a year to try all of these cases,” said Jeffrey Swartz, who lectures on criminal procedure and constitutional law issues at Western Michigan University’s Cooley Law School. “So that means prosecutors will plead lesser cases and focus on the most egregious. Lawyers know that and how it will affect their clients.”
Priola, 50, was charged in January with knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building; disorderly conduct; and unlawful activities on Capitol grounds. Her case is pending, though a trial date has not been set. Her attorney, Michelle Peterson, declined to comment. Peterson said in court filings earlier this year that Watkins “believes in the sanctity of the government and the importance of law and order.”
“Watkins and at least six others, outfitted in paramilitary equipment, helmets, reinforced vests and clothing with Oath Keepers’ paraphernalia, moved in an organized, practiced fashion as they forced their way through the United States Capitol doors,” the lawsuit says.
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