A federal judge has agreed to postpone the trial of a US Capitol riot defendant, citing the potential for a pardon from President-elect Donald Trump. The defendant, William Pope, was facing misdemeanor charges related to the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.
Following Trump's reelection, Pope requested a delay in his trial until after Trump assumes office, based on the president-elect's promise to pardon some individuals involved in the riot. US District Judge Rudolph Contreras, appointed by Obama, acknowledged the likelihood of a pardon for Pope during a recent hearing.
Judge Contreras emphasized the need to conserve resources, stating that proceeding with jury selection for Pope's trial would be a significant burden on the public and the court if a pardon were to follow. While a Justice Department attorney argued against delaying the trial solely due to the possibility of a pardon, Contreras highlighted the distinction between a multi-day trial and sentencing hearings.
No new trial date has been scheduled, with both parties planning to reconvene in mid-December to determine a suitable date for next year. The decision to delay the trial underscores the complex legal implications surrounding the Capitol riot cases and the potential impact of presidential pardons on ongoing legal proceedings.
