Special to The Times
A federal judge Tuesday delayed his ruling on whether to allow the pre-trial release of an Ohio woman accused of organizing a paramilitary unit to storm the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.
U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta asked an attorney for Jessica Watkins, who commanded a self-described militia, and prosecutors to submit arguments as to whether the destruction of government property qualifies as a “crime of violence,” as prosecutors argued.
His answer, he said, would act as precedent for the eight other charged members of the the Oath Keepers paramilitary group, and possibly other defendants charged in the Capitol riots as well.
Judge to consider if Ohio womanâs Capitol riot charges are âcrimes of violenceâ
Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP
FILE - In this Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021 file photo smoke fills the walkway outside the Senate Chamber as supporters of President Donald Trump are confronted by U.S. Capitol Police officers inside the Capitol in Washington. Right-wing extremism has previously mostly played out in isolated pockets of America or in smaller cities. In contrast, the deadly attack by rioters on the U.S. Capitol targeted the very heart of government. It brought together members of disparate groups, creating the opportunity for extremists to establish links with each other. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)