Jurors reject array of defenses at Capitol riot trials
Thousands of Donald Trump supporters storm the United States Capitol building following a "Stop the Steal" rally on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) WASHINGTON - Jurors have heard — and rejected — an array of excuses and arguments from the first rioters to be tried for storming the U.S.
Capitol. The next jury to get a Capitol riot case could hear another novel defense this week at the trial of a retired New York City police officer.Thomas Webster, a 20-year veteran of the NYPD, has claimed he was acting in self-defense when he tackled a police officer who was trying to protect the Capitol from a mob on Jan.
6, 2021. Webster's lawyer also has argued that he was exercising his First Amendment free speech rights when he shouted profanities at police that day.Webster, 56, will be the fourth Capitol riot defendant to get a jury trial.
Each has presented a distinct line of defense.An Ohio man who stole a coat rack from a Capitol office testified he was "following presidential orders" from Donald Trump.RELATED: Virginia brothers could face jail time for January 6 riot at US CapitolAn off-duty police officer from Virginia claimed he only entered the Capitol to retrieve a fellow officer.
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