WASHINGTON — Monday’s closing arguments saw federal prosecutors dismiss their case against Guy Reffitt, a Texas defendant accused of the Capitol attack. They told jurors that Guy Reffitt was “ecstatic” about his actions when he attempted to storm the Capitol with armed men on Jan. 6.
Reffitt was the first defendant in an attack on Capitol to go to trial among hundreds of others. Reffitt was quoted by the prosecution as arguing that Texas man lit the match at the Capitol during the attack. He relied on testimony from Reffitt’s son, who tipped off FBI about his father, before the attack, and Reffitt’s friend, who brought a weapon to Capitol and gave immunity.
Risa Berkower was a federal prosecutor in Reffitt’s case. She told jurors that Reffitt would not stop and that he “wouldn’t stop” and that he “lit the fire that allowed the mob of people to push up the stairs and inside the building.”
Berkower stated that Reffitt was armed with a gun and pushed towards the front of the mob. He confronted officers. Berkower stated that “Every time he advanced the crowd advanced.” “You could see him leading the crowd.”
Berkower pointed out evidence of Reffitt’s activities prior to, during and after the Jan. 6, attack. He even bragging to his family about his actions upon his return home.
Berkower stated that he was thrilled about the actions of the mob and what they did. He believed he had gotten away in Texas back home.
Reffitt declined to testify in the case and his lawyer provided little defense. He portrayed his client in opening arguments as a smuggler who bristled about his conduct.
Reffitt is facing multiple charges including transporting a semi-automatic pistol and rifle intended to be used for furtherance of civil disorder, obstruction in an official proceeding, as well as entering restricted areas with a deadly or hazardous weapon.
Reffitt’s lawyer William Welch told the jury that they should find his client guilty of a misdemeanor, but not enough evidence to convict him on the felony charges. Reffitt’s son’s testimony was doubtful due to the media attention that he has received and Reffitt’s friend’s testimony since he was granted immunity.
Reffitt was accused of being armed during his attempt to enter the Capitol Building. The government provided a lot evidence. Reffitt was part of the Texas Three Percenters and exchanged many messages about Jan. 6, both before and afterwards. He also recorded himself on Jan. 6 talking about his plans for Nancy Pelosi to be dragged out of the Capitol. Under an immunity agreement, his friend testified that they were both armed Jan. 6. Reffitt later admitted to Reffitt in a Zoom meeting that he had his “.40” with him when he tried to storm the building. His son recorded him blaming his exploits in conversations with his family.
Reffitt was also photographed with his holstered gun, next to two empty Corona bottles and wearing Reffitt’s camouflage Trump hat.
The case will be heard by the jury Tuesday morning.
In connection with the Jan. 6, attack, more than 750 people were arrested. More then 2,500 were arrested in connection with the Jan. 6 attack. They are accused of unlawfully entering or committing other violent crimes outside the Capitol Building. More than 200 people have pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges so far. Robert Scott Palmer is a Florida man that attacked officers using a fire extinguisher. He was sentenced to the longest Jan.6 sentence: over five years in federal prison.
