In a controversial move, William Pope, a Kansas man charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack, has petitioned the court for permission to attend the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, 2025.
Pope, who has delayed his trial, is representing himself and argues that his attendance is tied to his expectation of a presidential pardon.
This case, already surrounded by intense legal and political scrutiny, has taken an unusual turn, with Pope intertwining his legal defense with political narratives and holiday references.
Background of the Case
William Pope, a Topeka resident, was indicted and arrested in February 2021 for allegedly blocking officers inside the Capitol during the January 6 riot. He faces charges of obstructing law enforcement and participating in a civil disorder.
Key Facts About Pope’s Case
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Incident | Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack |
| Charges | Obstruction of law enforcement, civil disorder |
| Arrest Date | February 2021 |
| Legal Representation | Representing himself |
| Trial Status | Delayed |
| Current Request | Permission to attend Trump inauguration |
Pope’s Request to Attend Trump Inauguration
On December 28, 2024, Pope filed a motion in the U.S. District Court for Washington, D.C., requesting permission to travel to Washington for the inauguration. He argued:
- Expectation of Pardon: Pope claims that once Trump assumes office, he expects a presidential pardon, rendering his trial unnecessary.
- Symbolic Importance: Pope tied his presence at the event to his belief in “the restoration of constitutional rights.”
- Precedent: He cited a similar case involving another Capitol riot defendant, Eric Lee Peterson, who was allowed to attend an inauguration.
Prosecutors’ Response
The U.S. Attorney’s Office opposed Pope’s request, raising concerns about:
- Safety Risks: Prosecutors argued that allowing Pope to return to the Capitol poses a potential danger to law enforcement and the public.
- Circumstantial Repetition: The possibility of Pope encountering officers he resisted during the 2021 incident could create a volatile situation.
- Legal Precedent: The prosecutors dismissed the comparison to Eric Lee Peterson, emphasizing the unique aspects of Pope’s case.
In his filings, U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves stated, “Permitting Pope to attend the inauguration would place him in the very circumstances that led to his alleged disregard for the law in the first place.”
Pope’s Defense and Unconventional Filings
Pope has taken a unique approach to his defense, blending legal arguments with political commentary and holiday symbolism:
- Christmas Filing: On December 25, Pope quoted scripture and Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol”, accusing the court of infringing on constitutional rights.
- Mugshot Alteration: In an unusual move, Pope attached an edited mugshot of himself donning a Santa hat, sunglasses, and a marijuana joint, captioned: “I AM YOUR GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE.”
These filings reflect Pope’s ongoing attempt to frame his legal situation as a broader commentary on constitutional freedoms.
Legal and Political Implications
The case highlights tensions surrounding the fallout of the January 6 Capitol riot and its defendants. While Pope’s argument centers on his rights and expectations under a new Trump administration, prosecutors emphasize the security risks of granting his request.
As of Friday, no decision had been made regarding Pope’s motion to attend the inauguration.
The case of William Pope encapsulates the ongoing complexities and controversies surrounding the January 6 Capitol riot.
His request to attend the 2025 Trump inauguration has raised concerns about public safety, legal precedence, and the intersection of politics and justice.
While the court deliberates, this case serves as a reminder of the lingering divisions and unresolved legal matters stemming from one of the most turbulent events in U.S. history.
The decision on Pope’s request could set a significant precedent for how similar cases are handled moving forward.
FAQs
Why does William Pope want to attend Trump’s inauguration?
Pope believes his presence is symbolic of restoring constitutional rights and expects a presidential pardon from Trump.
What are the charges against Pope?
He faces charges of obstructing law enforcement and participating in a civil disorder during the January 6 Capitol riot.
Has the court decided on Pope’s request?
As of now, the judge has not issued a decision regarding Pope’s motion to attend the inauguration.
