Judge Blocks Jan. 6 Rioter's Request to Attend Trump Inauguration

Russell Taylor, a convicted Capitol rioter, was denied permission to travel to Washington despite an invitation from former Rep. Chris Stewart.

U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth denied Russell Taylor's request to attend President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, citing his role in the January 6 Capitol riots.
Taylor, who pleaded guilty to obstructing an official proceeding, was on probation and had cooperated with prosecutors in cases against the Three Percenters militia group.
The court emphasized Taylor's actions during the riots, including carrying weapons, threatening police officers, and inciting others, as reasons for the denial.
Former Rep. Chris Stewart and three unnamed Utah lawmakers had invited Taylor to the event, describing him as reformed, but federal prosecutors called the request 'outrageous.'
Taylor is one of several January 6 defendants seeking permission to attend the inauguration; other decisions have varied, with some requests approved and others denied.