Federal Judge Blocks Attempt To Release A Capitol Rioter, Faces 20 Years

A federal judge impeded an attempt to release a Tennessee man accused of participating in the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan.6.

An order was set aside by U.S. District t Judge Beryl A. Howell for the District of Columbia regarding the release of Eric Munchel in Nashville, AP News reports.

On Friday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Frensley for the Middle District of Tennessee determined that the Nashville resident was not a flight risk, nor did he “pose harm to the public.”

However, federal prosecutors believe that the offenses committed by Munchel are “significant enough to keep him behind bars until trial for the community’s safety,” the report continued.

Munchel reportedly traveled to Washington with his mother, Lisa Eisenhart, to participate in Donald Trump’s “Stop the Steal” rally, prompted by Trump’s voter fraud claims in the 2020 election. Eisenhart was charged in the riot at the Capitol.

Court documents mentioned that after authorities evacuated the Capitol Senate chamber, Munchel entered the room.

He “perceived himself to be a revolutionary, in the mold of those who overthrew the British government in the American Revolution,” the court filing stated.

Munchel appeared to be ready for war. Along with a stun gun on his hip and a cellphone mounted to his chest to record the attack, he wore “combat boots, military fatigues, a tactical vest, gloves, and a gaiter that covered all of his face except for his eyes.”

Authorities took Munchel into custody on Jan. 10 after he turned himself in.

A search into Munchel’s home turned up the clothing he wore on Jan.6 during the riot, “five pairs of plastic handcuffs, multiple weapons, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and a drum-style magazine.”

He was charged with violent entry and disorderly conduct on the Capitol grounds, conspiracy, and civil disorder. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years.