[ad_1]
A federal judge has blocked the release of a man who allegedly strapped the Capitol during the Jan.6 uprising, as prosecutors say they plan to charge the Tennessian with sedition over his role in the attack, according to court documents and officials. .
Eric Munchel, a 30-year-old Nashville man, will remain behind bars following U.S. District Judge Beryl A. Howell’s decision on Sunday to stay an order by a Tennessee judge.
After testifying at a detention hearing, US Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Frensley of the Middle District of Tennessee on Friday determined that Munchel was not a flight risk and was not causing harm to the public.
CAPITOL’S MOTHER ‘ZIP TIES’ SUSPECT ARRESTED IN TENNESSEE, CHARGED WITH CONSPIRACY
Eric Munchel, 30, is said to be a man pictured wearing zip ties in the Senate Chamber during last week’s riot on Capitol Hill, the FBI said. (Photo by Win McNamee / Getty Images)
But Howell, who sits in the District of Columbia, stayed the lower court order pending a review.
Federal prosecutors have argued that Munchel’s offenses are serious enough to detain him pending trial to ensure the safety of the community.
TENNESSEE ALLEGED MAN SEEN IN THE SENATE CHAMBER WITH SLIDE TIES HELD WITHOUT TIES
According to court records, an FBI search of Munchel’s house revealed the tactical equipment he was wearing during the storming of the Capitol on January 6, five pairs of plastic handcuffs, several weapons, hundreds cartridges and a drum magazine.
Munchel is accused of violent entry and disorderly conduct on the Capitol grounds, conspiracy and civil unrest. He risks up to 20 years if convicted.
In court documents filed on Sunday, prosecutors said they had information that could lead to possible additional felony charges, such as sedition.
“Evidence gathered so far subjects accused to crimes beyond those with which he has been charged so far, including obstruction of Congress, interstate travel as part of riot activity , sedition and other offenses, ”prosecutors wrote, arguing for Munchel’s detention. in custody.
WHAT ARE THE REGISTRATION FEES?
They continued: “These offenses carry significant penalties, prompting people to flee and evade law enforcement – a thought the defendant seems to have considered by avoiding his residence and place of work, ending his Facebook account and leaving his cell phone with an associate. “
Prosecutors said Munchel traveled to Washington with his mother Lisa Eisenhart, who was also charged in the Capitol Riot. The two took part in PresidentTrump’s fiery “Stop the Steal” rally in which the then-president urged the crowd to “fight like hell” and noted that they would march “peacefully” towards the Capitol.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Court documents allege Munchel entered the Senate chamber just minutes after the chamber was evacuated.
Munchel “saw himself as a revolutionary, in the mold of those who overthrew the British government in the American Revolution,” according to court documents. He was “dressed for combat” with “combat boots, military fatigues, a tactical vest, gloves and a gaiter that covered his entire face except his eyes,” documents indicate. He also carried a stun gun on his hip and mounted a cell phone to his chest to record the events.
Louis Casiano of Fox News and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
[ad_2]
Source link