The first federal trial for the events of January 6, 2021 began March 2 with Wylie native Guy Reffitt, who is accused of being the leader of the surge into the Capitol Building last year.
Prosecutors claim that Reffitt “lit the match that started the fire” and was very deliberate in his mission to get into the Capitol during a protest against the 2020 election results.
Court documents show Reffitt is charged with obstruction of justice, entering and remaining in a restricted area, and obstruction of an official proceeding.
The ultimate ruling on this first trial may set the tone for further prosecutions, potentially swaying future cases one way or the other. A conviction would likely cause hundreds of other January 6 defendants to seek plea deals, while an acquittal could push more cases to go to trial.
According to an affidavit from the FBI, Reffitt came home after the riot and told his family, notably his son, to remain silent about the events. The affidavit claims that Reffitt’s son “understood Reffitt’s statements to be a threat to [his] life.” Reffitt also allegedly told his daughter he would “put a bullet through” her phone if she spread word of Reffitt’s actions on social media.
The Dallas Morning News wrote that Reffitt’s son is expected to testify sometime in the trial.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Nestler called Reffitt the “tip of this mob’s spear.” Photo evidence allegedly shows Reffitt with what appears to be a handgun in a holster and a megaphone which he apparently used to urge the crowd forward.
Reffitt never made it into the Capitol Building, according to the affidavit, as he retreated after being hit by police pepper spray.
Reffitt’s attorney, William Welch, stated that his client is prone to “hyperbole” and had exaggerated his actions to witnesses such as his family members. Welch also claims that Reffitt did not physically harm any officers or attempt to provoke any violence.
The trial will be overseen by U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich, an appointee of the Trump administration. Ninety additional accused already have trial dates, and more than 750 people have been charged in connection with the breach.