First Trial in January 6th Investigation Begins

The first trial in the January 6th Investigation is set to begin today. Jury selection for defendant Guy Reffitt’s trial is expected to last at least a day. Evidence from the Justice Department aims to prove that Reffitt, a native of Texas, obstructed Congress and brought a semi-automatic handgun with him to the insurrection. Prosecutors also allege that five days after the riot, Reffitt threatened his children to keep quiet about his trip to Washington D.C.  If prosecutors successfully make their case in front of the jury, it could increase the pressure on defendants to plead guilty or cooperate with the investigation. If Reffitt is found not guilty, other defendants may be emboldened to continue to fight their charges.