Capitol Rioter Caught With His Feet On Pelosi’s Desk Says “It’s Not Fair” He’s Still In Jail

Photo via Tyler Merbler/Flickr (CC BY 2.0), Washington County, Arl., Sheriff’s Office

March 4, 2021, 1:54 pm

Richard Barnett, the man who went viral for a photo of him with his feet up on Nancy Pelosi’s desk during the assault on the Capitol in January, is having a hard time experiencing consequences for his actions.

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An Arkansas news network reported that he yelled at the judge who extended his time in jail pending a “status conference” on May 4 that he’s “been here a long time” and “it’s not fair.”

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“You’re letting everyone else out … I need help,” he yelled.

According to NBC reporter Scott MacFarlane, Barnett had such a tantrum that the judge had to call a recess.

!! WHOA: US Capitol defendant Richard Barnett — man accused of putting feet on Pelosi desk – is *screaming* at attorneys and judge during his court hearing right now.

Upset he’s been locked up “for a whole month”… “it’s not fair”

Judge just recessed hearing for “5 mins” pic.twitter.com/ayaO4d6lb0

— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) March 4, 2021

After that was up, the judge came back online for the virtual hearing and confirmed that the date for the Barnett’s next one would be May 4. Turns out yelling at judges doesn’t tend to get you what you want.

Barnett accused the judge and prosecution of “dragging this out” while he languishes in jail. Unfortunately for him and everyone else who’s been imprisoned without bond (or can’t afford bail), the hearings leading up to the actual trial can drag on for months. Large portions of jail populations are often made up of people who have not been found guilty of a crime but are still waiting for the day when they’re found either guilty or not guilty.

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This has been a problem in the U.S. for a long time, where people are supposed to have the right to a speedy trial, but typically only impacts poor people of color. This and the terrible conditions that can be found in nearly all U.S. jails are thanks to the largely conservative “tough on crime” strategy.

Barnett entered a plea of not guilty to all charges resulting from his participation in the attempted coup at the Capitol, including disorderly conduct and theft of government property. He fully admitted to taking one of Pelosi’s personalized envelopes from her desk, but claims he left a quarter behind as “payment.”

According to The New York Times, the judge he yelled at responded to his complaint by saying that “he would consider a new motion for release if and when Mr. Barnett’s lawyers filed one.”

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*First Published: March 4, 2021, 1:54 pm