In a recent court filing, Judge Royce Lamberth, the longest-serving district judge in Washington, D.C., expressed concern over false rhetoric surrounding the January 6 Capitol attack. Lamberth, a Reagan appointee, criticized the misinformation spread by political leaders, without explicitly naming former President Donald Trump. He highlighted the dangerous nature of downplaying and misrepresenting the attack, calling it “destructive” and unprecedented in his 37 years on the bench.
Specifically, Lamberth called out language used by Trump and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), who referred to January 6 defendants as “hostages.” The judge dismissed such characterization as “preposterous” and warned that this misguided rhetoric could pose further danger to the country.
Lamberth’s comments came in connection with the resentencing of James Little, a Jan. 6 misdemeanor defendant who had appealed his initial 60-day prison sentence, claiming it was an illegal “split” sentence. The federal appeals court agreed with Little, sending the case back to Lamberth for resentencing. Seizing the opportunity, Lamberth criticized Little’s “clear lack of remorse” and emphasized that attempts to misinterpret or misrepresent the events of January 6 would not be condoned.
More than 1,260 individuals have been charged in connection with crimes related to the Capitol breach, ranging from trespassing to sedition. Lamberth has presided over numerous high-profile Jan. 6 cases, including those of Jacob Chansley (QAnon Shaman), Alan Hostetter (former police chief sentenced to 11 years), and Christopher Worrell (Proud Boy who sprayed chemical agents at police). The judge has consistently used his filings to counteract misrepresentations and conspiracy theories surrounding the events of that day.
Lamberth’s strong rebuke underscores the ongoing challenges in addressing the aftermath of the Capitol attack, particularly as false narratives persist in certain political circles. The judge’s focus on upholding the truth and condemning attempts to rewrite history adds to the broader conversation surrounding accountability for the events of January 6, 2021.
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