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An attorney for a member of the Oath Keepers accused of the attack on the Capitol went back to controversial claims that she was in Washington DC on January 6 providing security while working with the Secret Service.
Jessica Watkins, 38 Champaign County, Ohio, faces a number charges related to the insurgency, including conspiracy and aid in the destruction of property, along with eight other members of the far-right militia.
Over the weekend, her lawyer claimed she was in the capital that day not as an insurgent, but to ensure the safety of those speaking at the pro-Donald Trump rally in advance and to “provide an escort to lawmakers and other Capitolites as directed by the then president.”
Her lawyers also claimed that she received a “VIP pass” for the January 6 rally and that she “met” with secret service agents.
After the original claim made headlines, its Federal Public Defender filed a “clarification” request and denied being sanctioned for working as security in any way by the Secret Service.
“The lawyer apologizes for being far from clear on a few points raised in the initial request,” says the new case.
“The lawyer did not mean to suggest that Ms. Watkins met with the Secret Service. A better verb would have been “met”.
“Ms Watkins spoke to members of the Secret Service early in the day as she passed through the check-in point in the VIP area,” the motion added.
“The point the lawyer was trying to make was that she encountered law enforcement, including a Secret Service agent, as she prepared to provide security for the gathering. She was given directions on the things she could and couldn’t do, including instructions to leave all tactical gear outside. from the VIP area, and she respected by all these directives.
“Ms Watkins is not suggesting that she directly knows that her security role was sanctioned by anyone other than those involved in organizing the rally.” She certainly didn’t mean to suggest that she was hired by the U.S. Secret Service to provide security. . “
A Secret Service spokesperson previously said in a statement to CNN: “To carry out its protective duties on January 6, the US Secret Service relied on the help of various government partners. Any claim that the Secret Service employed of private citizens to perform these functions is wrong. “
Although the Oath Keepers, an anti-government militia believed to number tens of thousands of members, are known to have provided security at events in the past, there is no indication that Watkins or the eight other people she is accused of were officially to the Capitol that day to provide protection.
In the affidavit listing charges against her, prosecutors allege Watkins used social media app Speak boast of force entry into the Capitol building.
“Me before I forced entry into the Capitol building,” she reportedly wrote, sharing a picture of herself in the parliamentary uniform of Oath Keepers.
“We stormed the Capitol today … we even made it to the Senate,” she added in another January 6 article.
In other Speak post, Watkins responded to a comment disputing whether she actually forced entry into the building by replying, “No. Forced. Like rugby. We entered through the back door of the Capitol.”
A hearing to decide whether Watkins can be released before his trial is scheduled to take place on Tuesday.
FBI / screenshot
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