Weidemann did not immediately comment on the suspension request, but said that Barnett’s release would not take place until Saturday, at least.
During the extraordinarily long detention hearing, prosecutors introduced Barnett as a dangerous person who acted deceitfully after the events on Capitol, turning off location services on his cell phone, paying only in cash and covering his face.
Harris said Barnett had done “a parody of [Pelosi] and your office. ”The prosecutor also said that in the various images of Barnett on the Capitol he seemed to” really enjoy this moment of fame “.
Prosecutors also showed a video of Barnett buying a stun gun, walkie-talkies and pepper spray at a Bass Sporting Goods store in Arkansas on New Year’s Eve. They said his cell phone and stun gun were not found, repeatedly suggesting during the hearing that he abandoned them in an attempt to hide incriminating evidence.
Barnett’s defense attorney, Anthony Siano, countered by calling about half a dozen witnesses to testify about Barnett’s good character and honesty.
An unusual aspect of the session was that the judge heard the testimony not only about the threat that Barnett would or would not pose to the community, but also about a series of threats that he and his family received after his image went viral after the attack on the Capitol by a pro-Trump crowd on January 6.
Wiedemann finally decided to release Barnett under what she called “very, very restrictive” conditions which she called “incarceration at home”. She ordered the defendant to be monitored by GPS and not have access to the internet.
The judge said the limits on Barnett’s communications were in response to “the government’s concerns about the next tenure and the weather now”.
“He appears to be a law-abiding citizen for the most part, although there have been incidents that cause the court to be concerned because he is armed at rallies,” added the judge.
Siano made a passing complaint to Wiedemann that, although his client is facing serious charges, those who organized and spoke with the “Stop the Steal” rally that resulted in the Capitol riot were not charged.
“A defense lawyer in my position can certainly be tempted to tell the court that no one who has taken the podium or promoted this event has been brought before the court of law,” said Siano.
Siano also said that Barnett should not be penalized for his strong political views. “The fact that my client is outspoken and a very, very enthusiastic supporter of Donald J. Trump and a very enthusiastic 2nd Amendment supporter is not a basis for any accusations in this case,” said Siano.
Siano added that the anonymous threats made by “crazy and crazy” against Barnett should not be a reason to deny him bail.
Harris said the government’s appeal against Weidemann’s order will go to the chief judge of the United States District Court in Washington, Beryl Howell.