Judge approves Jan. 6 rioter’s request to go to DC for Trump inauguration

A federal judge who dismissed election-interference charges against Donald Trump has allowed a convicted Jan. 6 rioter, Eric Peterson, to travel to Washington D.C. for President-elect’s upcoming inauguration.

DC federal Judge Tanya Chutkan granted Eric Peterson’s request to attend the inauguration on January 20, despite him pleading guilty last month to entering the Capitol building during the January 6, 2021, insurrection.

Peterson, a resident of Kansas City, Missouri, a military veteran, and a business owner, pleaded guilty to entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds. He faces up to one year in prison at his sentencing on January 27.

Although Peterson is currently out on bail until his sentencing, he had to seek permission from the judge to travel to D.C. for the inauguration as it is outside his allowed travel limits.

The inauguration is a ticketed event, but individuals without tickets usually watch the ceremony on the National Mall on JumboTrons.

Peterson’s lawyer, Michael Bullotta, requested permission for his client to attend the inauguration, stating that Peterson did not engage in violence or vandalism during the Capitol breach and was unaware of others committing such acts at the time.

Prosecutors did not oppose Peterson’s request to attend the inauguration. They claim that Peterson traveled to D.C. to participate in the “Stop the Steal” rally opposing Trump’s loss to Joe Biden in the 2020 election.

Peterson was seen entering the Capitol and standing outside the Rotunda before joining the rioters who broke inside, chanting, “This is our house!”

Peterson walked past a police officer at the doors of the Capitol, knowing he was not authorized to be there, according to court papers and surveillance footage.

There are other rioters with more serious charges also seeking permission to attend the inauguration, with prosecutors opposing their requests.

On November 25, Judge Chutkan dismissed charges of election interference against Trump, citing presidential immunity from federal prosecution after his term ended.

Trump faces other legal battles in New York and Georgia courts, with ongoing prosecutions related to hush-money payments and hoarding classified documents.

Michael Bullotta and the Department of Justice did not respond to requests for comment.