70% of January 6 terrorists released before trial compared with 25% of federal defendants

[bullwinkle428]

in general.

At least 70% of people charged in the Capitol riot have been released as they wait for trial, according to a Guardian analysis.

That high pretrial release rate stands in stark contrast with the usual detention rates in the federal system, where only 25% of defendants nationwide are typically released before their trial.

Eric Munchel, known as “Zip Tie Guy”, who was allegedly photographed wearing tactical gear and carrying wrist restraints in the Senate chamber, was released in late March, along with his mother, after an appeals court questioned whether he posed any danger outside the specific context of 6 January.

Multiple alleged members of the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, two groups facing the most serious conspiracy charges related to their alleged plans for violence, have been released before trial, though some prominent leaders in these groups remain in custody.

The disparity in pretrial detention rates highlights what legal experts said was a broader development in the 6 January cases: the likelihood that a substantial swathe of the alleged rioters may not serve any prison time at all, even if they are convicted or plead guilty.

Many Capitol defendants are being released ahead of trial because they are facing relatively low-level charges, experts said, though other factors, including racial bias, may also play a role.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/may/28/us-capitol-attack-suspects-jail-trial

I don't think one needs a crystal ball to realize that this is TOTALLY going to happen again, at some point down the road.

[brewens]

1. It might not work out well for some of those 70%. What are the odds they are dumb enough to

get themselves in more trouble? I'd say pretty good. If they keep close tabs on them, more terrorists might show up.

[Amishman]

2. Depending on what they were doing, I might be OK with this.

The ones committing violence and destroying property should not be released.

The morons who followed behind them and were trespassing without actively destroying property, those should probably be released to await trial. Our prisons at all levels are crowded enough.

[lagomorph777]

3. This is massively dangerous. Why are we letting terrorists walk the streets?

Rhetorical question, of course. Our courts are packed with terrorist sympathizers, thanks to Turd and Turtle.

[Marrah_Goodman]

4. If they were homeless and stole hot dogs out of hunger they would still be in jail