WASHINGTON D.C., DC — The federal trial for Richard "Bigo" Barnett, one of the most prominent people seen storming the Capitol on Jan. 6, had been asked to be delayed again by his lawyers after the newest trial date was set for January 9.
On Monday, Jan. 2, his lawyers asked for a minimum 60-day continuance from the trial date, citing that the government's addition of the new civil disorder felony charge makes them unable to adequately prepare and will be "highly prejudiced."
According to reports, the federal judge denied Barnett's lawyers' motion of continuance. The lawyers have only recently joined the defense after the new charge was added at the end of December.
His lawyers alternatively asked for the new indictment to be dismissed with prejudice saying the timing of the new charge during the holiday season made experts and witnesses unavailable for contact.
The government had called the newest motion of continuance a "delay tactic" and asked the court to reject the motion in its entirety.
The 61-year-old from Gravette became well-known after photos were posted online of him with his feet on Nancy Pelosi's office desk. He also took an envelope from her office, put a quarter on her desk, and left her a note that said, "Nancy, Bigo was here, you B****."
Barnett entered the U.S. Capitol alongside other rioters while carrying a U.S. flag and a stun gun walking stick.
In previous delay requests, Barnett's lawyers have cited Joseph McBride's ongoing health predicament, which was the main reason the judge ruled that the trial could begin in December rather than September.
Download the 5NEWS app on your smartphone:
Stream 5NEWS 24/7 on the 5+ app: How to watch the 5+ app on your streaming device
To report a typo or grammatical error, please email KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com and detail which story you're referring to.