A federal judge has granted a Missouri man who pleaded guilty to trespassing in the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, permission to travel outside his hometown, allowing him to attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington, D.C., next month.
U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan approved the request Thursday, permitting Eric Peterson to move more freely within Kansas City, Missouri, and to travel to the nation’s capital for the event. Peterson’s sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 27.
Peterson admitted to unlawfully entering the Capitol during the Jan. 6 protests. In addition to his sentencing, he has been ordered to pay $500 in restitution to the Architect of the Capitol, according to CNN.
Peterson’s attorney, Michael Bullotta, argued in court that the request to attend the inauguration was reasonable, especially given President-elect Trump’s public statements suggesting he would pardon individuals involved in the Jan. 6 protests.
Bullotta stated that Peterson’s participation in the inauguration was “even more appropriate in light of the incoming Trump administration’s confirmations that President Trump will fully pardon those in Mr. Peterson’s position on his first day in office.”
While Trump has indicated plans to pardon certain individuals connected to Jan. 6, it remains unclear which defendants may receive clemency after he takes office.
