Prosecutors say Chansley has expressed his intention to return to Washington for President-elect Joe Biden to take office – and that his criminal prosecution should not be an impediment.
“Chansley told the FBI before his arrest that he ‘will still go, you better believe it,'” prosecutors said in the 18-page lawsuit. “His status as a symbol of the insurrection, his actions inside the Capitol building and his demonstration of disrespect for orders while he was inside with the aim of interrupting official Congressional procedures, demonstrate the danger that his release would pose.”
“At this point in our nation’s history,” they continued, “it is difficult to imagine a greater risk to our democracy and community than the armed revolution of which Chansley has become the symbol.”
Chansley was indicted by a Washington grand jury on Monday on six counts, including two crimes: impeding law enforcement during civil unrest and obstructing a Congressional case. The other accusations are misdemeanors, although the prosecution states at one point that Chansley was involved in “an effort to prevent the votes of the Electoral College from being certified”.
While the process focuses on Chansley, it also makes clear the government’s vision of an ongoing “insurgency movement” that is reaching a potential climax with the approach of Biden’s takeover. The suit cites media and FBI reports detailing planned armed protests in all 50 state capitals and Washington DC in the run-up to the day of the inauguration.
Although the government now describes Chansley’s involvement in last week’s Capitol riots as part of a wide-ranging and sinister attempt to overthrow the government, he has not been charged with any of the most serious crimes related to such an effort – such as sedition or insurrection. But FBI and Justice Department officials emphasized that more serious charges are on the horizon, after an initial round of minor charges were made to ensure that they cornered some of the most dangerous criminals.
While prosecutors recommend that Chansley be detained until trial, the court’s pre-trial services agency recommended that he be released with conditions on his moves to reduce the chance of posing a threat while awaiting his day in court. But the government said the evidence it found made that recommendation unwise.
“Media and FBI reports detail carefully planned insurrection attempts planned across the country in the coming weeks in every state capital, including the capital of Arizona,” prosecutors said. “As he admitted, and corroborated by the items in his car, Chansley hoped to go there after his interview with the FBI (if he hadn’t been arrested).”
The government also described Chansley’s release as particularly risky because of his association with Qanon, which he called a “dangerous anti-government conspiracy” that treated him as a leader, helped him travel “off the net” and “raised funds quickly. through unconventional means. ”Prosecutors also note that he is a“ recurrent drug user ”who is“ unable to assess reality ”.
A federal judge in Phoenix is expected to hold a bail hearing for Chansley on Friday afternoon.