Federal judge Emmet Sullivan this week cited former President Donald Trump’s recent statements about the 2020 election as a reason not to allow the release of a man who allegedly took part in the failed insurrection of Jan. 6.
In a 39-page opinion filed on Tuesday, Sullivan explained why he was denying the release of Jack Wade Whitton, who is charged with eight felonies and misdemeanors relating to the Jan. 6 events. Whitton is accused of “brutally” assaulting officers who were guarding the U.S. Capitol.
“[T]he Court concludes that clear and convincing evidence supports a finding that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the safety of the community,” Sullivan explains in the opinion. “Accordingly, the Court orders that Mr. Whitton be detained pending trial.” Continue reading.