Capitol Police Sgt Aquilino Gonell returns to the stand at 10am in the Capitol riot trial of Kyle Fitzsimons of Maine Fitzsimons is accused of confronting police in mob, while wearing butcher coat
Before defense resumes cross-examination of Sgt Gonell... defense attorney says "Officer Gonell" appears to have given a TV interview yesterday outside court after trial recessed She's arguing it's a possible violation of court order Gonell shouldn't talk about case
Defense is asking judge to "exclude" Sgt Gonell's testimony as a "sanction" for alleged TV interview
Prosecutor argues defense has it wrong. Prosecutors says "That incident was videotaped and it was posted to social media".... Prosector says "A person watching part of the proceeding harassed Sgt Gonell inside courthouse" and then was harassing Sgt Gonell OUTSIDE court.
Prosecutor says Sgt Gonell was walking away from a person's harassment Defense claimed it "appeared to be an interview" on-camera.. despite the judge's gag order. Trial will proceed.. sounds like some defense questioning about incident will be permitted
This incident underscores a larger issue A Jan 6 witness gets harassed Jan 6 judges get death threats Jan 6 Committee Members get death threats
Defense is pressing Sgt Gonell about whether others might have been pulling or tugging at him during the riot. (Not just Fitzsimons) She also asked Gonell about the impact of the fog of chemical spray on his vision amid the mob
@MacFarlaneNews And they are all instigated by Donald Trump, with his social media posts & statements. x.com/nooneunscripte…
@MacFarlaneNews And they are all instigated by Donald Trump, with his social media posts & statements. x.com/nooneunscripte…
@MacFarlaneNews So maybe those that are convicted should get longer sentences.
@MacFarlaneNews Those who continue to encourage violence and death threats must be dealt with in a bigger way. Not a slap on the hand. Fined? Sued? Arrested?
@MacFarlaneNews Serious question/observation: It seems awfully convenient that during Sergeant Gonnel's witness/victim testimony, that 'reporter' did this, and then the defense atty tries to use the harrassment of Gonnel against him. Makes you wonder...
@MacFarlaneNews I hope the Sergeant is better protected when he leaves today. The scene yesterday was inexcusable.