WASHINGTON D.C., DC — A federal judge has agreed to push back the trial for Richard Barnett, the man accused of participating in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol in Washington D.C.
On Monday, July 18, the judge allowed Barnett's trial set for Sept. 6, 2022, to be moved to Dec. 12, 2022.
According to court documents, Barnett's lawyer is facing health issues and filed an extension for more time, citing COVID-19 complications and struggles with the recovery process. It also listed "lingering and disruptive" symptoms due to Lyme Disease.
Barnett was captured in an infamous photo with his feet propped up on a desk in Nancy Pelosi's office during the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. He pleaded not guilty.
Barnett's explanation of how he ended up in the Capitol building the day of the attack has varied since his arrest. He first claimed the crowd swept him up in front of the Capitol and shoved him inside the building. He has also said he was looking for a bathroom. Barnett spoke with a Russian reporter after being released from jail, saying he was there to "exercise his First Amendment rights," as reported by other media outlets.
Barnett faces numerous charges in connection with the Capitol riot, including obstruction of an official proceeding; entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon; entering and remaining in certain rooms in a Capitol building; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building; parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building; and theft of government property.
Barnett is currently out of jail ahead of his trial. During Tuesday's hearing, the judge commented that Barnett had grown out his beard since he had last seen him. Barnett responded that he was growing it out until all of the rioters were set free.
Four other Arkansans are facing charges for their connection to the Jan. 6 attack.
Stick with 5NEWS as we continue to follow Barnett's case.
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