January 6 Rioter Using 'Sovereign Citizen' Arguments Found Guilty on 7 Charges
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Taylor James Johnatakis, a January 6 rioter, represented himself in court using "sovereign citizen" arguments that the judge dismissed as "bullshit" and "gobbledegook." He was found guilty on 7 charges related to the Capitol attack.
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Johnatakis came to the Capitol on January 6 with a megaphone, helped lead the mob attack on police lines, and at least one officer was injured. He was arrested in February 2021.
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Over 1,200 people have been charged in the January 6 attack so far. More than 400 have been sentenced to jail, some for seditious conspiracy.
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Johnatakis tried to cite "sovereign citizen" ideology in his defense, arguing the court had no authority over him. The judge harshly dismissed these arguments.
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The jury found Johnatakis guilty on 7 charges, including 3 felonies related to obstruction, assault, and civil disorder during the Capitol attack. He faces sentencing.