Jan. 6 Rioter Alleges He Was Invited to Trump’s Inauguration by a Retired Congressman

A man who pleaded guilty to charges stemming from the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol now claims he has been invited to attend President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration. 

Russell Taylor, a California native, submitted a letter from retired Congressman Chris Stewart (R-Utah) as part of a legal motion requesting permission to attend the January 20, 2025, event in Washington, D.C.

Taylor, who was convicted in 2023 of obstructing official government proceedings, played a notable role in the Capitol riot.

Prosecutors say he wore a bulletproof vest with an exposed knife and carried bear spray, a hatchet, and other weapons as he led a mob that breached a police line at the inaugural stage and stormed the Capitol. His actions on January 6, 2021, were among the many high-profile incidents used by prosecutors to hold rioters accountable for the attack on the Capitol.

After pleading guilty, Taylor cooperated with federal prosecutors, offering testimony against a member of an anti-government militia who was later sentenced to prison. This cooperation was seen as a move toward leniency, and U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth, who was appointed by President Ronald Reagan, sentenced Taylor to six months of home confinement. He has since completed that sentence and is currently on probation.

On Wednesday, Taylor’s attorney, Dyke Huish, submitted a motion to Judge Lamberth asking for permission for his client to attend Trump’s inauguration.

As part of the motion, Huish included a letter of support from former Congressman Chris Stewart, which extended a formal invitation for Taylor, his wife, and his three children to attend the event.

The letter from Stewart, a prominent Republican from Utah, paints a glowing picture of Taylor, describing him as a "successful entrepreneur" and a "caring father" who prioritizes his faith, family, and love of country.

Stewart also noted that "three other current members of the Utah congressional delegation join with me in extending this invitation," though he did not specify which members of the delegation had co-signed the invitation.

“I am honored to extend this invitation for him to attend the Inauguration as my guest,” Stewart wrote, without addressing or referencing Taylor’s involvement in the January 6 attack. The letter framed Taylor as a respected figure in his community, admired for his integrity and dedication to uplifting others.

Taylor’s request for permission to attend the inauguration has raised eyebrows, especially given the context of his involvement in the attack on the Capitol.

Critics argue that inviting an individual convicted for his role in a violent attempt to overturn a democratic election to attend the very event that symbolizes the peaceful transfer of power is inappropriate.

Prosecutors have yet to file a formal response to Taylor’s motion, but it is likely that they will oppose it. The Justice Department has consistently argued for accountability for January 6 rioters, over 1,500 of whom have been charged with crimes related to the breach of the Capitol.

Legal experts note that while Taylor has served his home confinement sentence, he is still on probation, which often includes travel restrictions. It will be up to Judge Lamberth to decide whether attending the inauguration aligns with the conditions of Taylor’s probation.

The involvement of Chris Stewart in supporting Taylor’s attendance has also sparked criticism. Stewart, who retired from Congress earlier this year, had not previously been linked to any public support for January 6 defendants.

His decision to invite Taylor to the inauguration, along with three unnamed members of Utah’s congressional delegation, raises questions about the extent of support some former lawmakers may still have for individuals tied to the Capitol attack.

As January 20, 2025, approaches, Trump's return to the White House remains a divisive topic in American politics. The request by Taylor to attend the event serves as a symbolic reminder of the lingering impact of January 6, as well as the ongoing debates about justice, accountability, and rehabilitation for those involved in the attack.

Judge Lamberth’s ruling on Taylor’s request could set a precedent for other January 6 rioters currently on probation who may seek similar exceptions to attend political events.