Zachary Rehl, president of the Philadelphia chapter of the Proud Boys, became the first member of the far-right group to testify in his own defense on seditious conspiracy charges for his involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot.
Under questioning Tuesday from his defense lawyer, Carmen Hernandez, in a federal courtroom in Washington, D.C., Rehl told Judge Timothy Kelly and jurors that there was not a singular reason that led him to join the group.
Rehl, 37, insisted that when he marched with other Proud Boys from the Washington Monument to the Capitol, he was acting patriotically. But he also told the court that he now accepts that “what ultimately unfolded, all the violence, was a disgrace … and I think that ultimately it didn’t do any good.”
A Jan. 4 chat — cited by Kenerson that was circulated to Rehl and other Proud Boys by group leaders and insiders who called themselves the Ministry of Self-Defense — was headed “ACAB,” an abbreviation for “All Cops Are Bastards,” a translation Rehl did not challenge. “We shoulda held the capitol. After trump conceding today, it all seemed like a waste,” Rehl wrote to fellow Philadelphia Proud Boys in one of them.
Under questioning, Rehl confirmed to the jury that he had entered the Capitol, smoked a cigarette inside an office and watched other protesters smoking marijuana in the building. Prosecutors do not allege that he engaged in vandalism or violence.
Indonesia Berita Terbaru, Indonesia Berita utama
Similar News:Anda juga dapat membaca berita serupa dengan ini yang kami kumpulkan dari sumber berita lain.
Judge in Proud Boys trial denies claims government withheld footageDistrict Court Judge Tim Kelly denied two motions aimed at dismissing a case against one of the defendants in the Proud Boys seditious conspiracy trial related to criminal actions during the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021.
Baca lebih lajut »
Proud Boys trial hit by a series of setbacksAn elected state attorney told Newsweek the trial has been 'a ship navigating unanticipated rough waters and strong, conflicting winds.'
Baca lebih lajut »
James Gunn Debunks Titans Actor Replacing Zachary Levi As DC Universe's ShazamDespite Titans star Alan Ritchson being rumored to replace Zachary Levi as Shazam in the new DC Universe, James Gunn has come out to debunk the story.
Baca lebih lajut »
Buck Showalter ‘proud’ of effort from Mets’ call-up Jose ButtoA day after arriving to the Mets from Triple-A Syracuse with the thought he would be a bullpen option, Jose Butto was on the mound for his second career major league start.
Baca lebih lajut »
Did Rupert Murdoch Say He’s 'Proud' of the Enemies He’s Got?The media tycoon also called himself a “catalyst for change.”
Baca lebih lajut »
Will Smith Is a Proud Dad At Daughter Willow's Coachella PerformanceThe actor was grinning ear-to-ear from the audience during what he dubbed, 'WILLOWCHELLA.'
Baca lebih lajut »