Overview
- The six defendants—Kat Abughazaleh, Catherine Sharp, Michael Rabbitt, Andre Martin, Brian Straw and Joselyn Walsh—entered not-guilty pleas in their first federal court appearance.
- They remain free on bond under pre-trial conditions, with their next hearing set for Dec. 4 before Judge Heather McShain.
- The indictment alleges the group blocked an agent’s SUV, banged on it, and damaged it by scratching “PIG” into the vehicle and breaking a side mirror and rear windshield wiper.
- Charges include conspiracy to impede or injure federal officers and forcibly impeding or intimidating officers, carrying potential maximum sentences of up to six and eight years.
- Supporters rallied outside the courthouse as defense attorneys called the case political, while the U.S. attorney said officials will hold accountable those who cross from protest to unlawful acts.