PHOENIX (AP) – The lawyer for an Arizona man who participated in the US Capitol insurrection while wearing face paint, shirtless and a furry horned hat is offering to have his client testify at the former president’s impeachment trial Donald Trump.
Lawyer Albert Watkins said he has not spoken to any member of the Senate since announcing his offer that Jacob Chansley testify at Trump’s trial, which is scheduled to begin the week of February 8. Watkins said it is important for senators to hear the voice of someone who was incited by Trump.
Watkins said his client was previously “terribly in love” with Trump, but now he is disappointed after Trump’s refusal to grant forgiveness to Chansley and others who participated in the insurrection. “He felt betrayed by the president,” said Watkins.
Related: ‘Q Shaman’ Jacob Chansley will remain in jail pending a riot trial on Capitol Hill
The words of Trump supporters, accused of participating in the riot, may end up being used against him in the impeachment trial. Chansley and at least four other people who are facing federal charges stemming from the mutiny suggested they were taking orders from Trump.
Chansley has yet to file a civil indictment complaint, obstruction of an official process, disorderly conduct in a restricted building, demonstration in a Capitol building and other charges. He is due to be sued on Friday in Washington.
In seeking his detention pending trial, prosecutors said Chansley went to the Capitol carrying a US flag attached to a wooden mast with a spear, ignored an official’s orders to leave, went to the Senate House and wrote a threatening note. to then Vice President Mike Pence.
Chansley, who calls himself “QAnon Shaman” and has long been a constant presence at Trump rallies, told investigators that he came to Capitol Hill “at the request of the president for all ‘patriots’ to come to DC on January 6,” according to court records.
Originally published