A Missouri man who pleaded guilty to entering the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, has been granted permission by a federal judge to attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration next month. The judge also authorized the man, Eric Peterson, to travel within the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Peterson, who admitted to “entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds” during the riot, is scheduled to be sentenced on January 27, a week after Trump's inauguration. As part of his plea agreement, Peterson must pay $500 in restitution to the Architect of the Capitol.
According to court documents, Peterson entered the Capitol wearing a bright pink shirt at around 3:02 p.m. on January 6, took pictures in the Rotunda, and left the building by 3:11 p.m. His attorney emphasized that Peterson's actions did not involve assault or vandalism and that he spent only about 8 minutes in the Capitol without proper authorization. Peterson, a military veteran with no prior criminal record, was described as a non-violent offender.
The attorney argued that Peterson's request to travel to Washington, DC, was justified, citing expectations of a potential pardon from President Trump on his first day in office. This possibility could render Peterson's sentencing hearing on January 27 unnecessary.
While Trump has indicated plans to pardon some Capitol rioters, it remains unclear which individuals will receive clemency. Over 1,500 rioters have been charged in federal court for their involvement in the Capitol attack, with the majority having been convicted or admitting guilt. Approximately 645 of the convicted rioters have been sentenced to jail time, according to the Justice Department.
