Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Gino Spocchia

Capitol riot suspect who put feet on Pelosi’s desk says he’s growing his beard ‘until all the J6ers are free’

AFP via Getty Images

The suspect Capitol rioter who was pictured with his feet on Nancy Pelosi’s desk on 6 January 2021 has told a court he will not shave his facial hair until all accused rioters are free.

Richard Barnett, who has been released on bail, appeared virtually for a status hearing on Tuesday when he announced his protest. The 61-year-old has been forced to wear a GPS monitor at his home in Arkansas.

“I’m not shaving it until the J6ers are free,” Mr Barnett told US district court judge Christopher Cooper on Tuesday, according to reports.

His remarks were an apparent reference to calls from Republicans and the right for hundreds of 6 January suspects (or “J6ers”) to be released from jail.

That has included from Donald Trump, who has called rioters “patriots” and told a rally in Conroe, Texas, on Saturday that he would pardon all of those charged with insurrection if reelected.

“Justice for Jan6” rallies have also been held, and as recently as last month on the anniversary of the rioting on the Capitol.

Five people were killed and dozens of law enforcement injured in an attempt to overthrow the results of the 2020 election that day.

Richard Barnett pictured on January 6 in the office of US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images) (AFP via Getty Images)

Mr Barnett’s comments on Tuesday came after judge Cooper made a remark about the defendant’s beard being longer than before, Law&Crime reported.

While no further information was available about the hearing, KNWA News reported that his attorney asked for more time to prepare their case.

“It’s going to take awhile,” argued attorney Joseph Daniel McBride. “It is substantial, to say the least.”

Prosecutors said there had been significant progress in the gathering of evidence against Mr Barnett, who could go to trial by September.

Mr McBridge has asked for a trial date not to be set until he has completed preparations, and a following hearing is scheduled for April, according to reports.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.