However, the judge detained Virginia residents Antonio LaMotta and Joshua Macias for trial on charges of electoral interference on Thursday morning.
The judge dismissed the charges against Macias because he had a transportation permit in his home state of Virginia.
LaMotta will go to trial for carrying an unlicensed weapon.
The men had no comment when they entered the criminal justice center.
The community tried to revoke the bail because of their presence at the Capitol during last week’s riots, but a judge rejected the motion.
SEE ALSO: Armed men arrested near Pennsylvania Convention Center
Macias’ defense lawyer, William Brennan, says his client never violated the chapter.
“If the government shows me any evidence that our client was in the building, I retire as a lawyer,” Brennan said.
Lawyer LaMotta had no comment.
The two defendants were arrested in November after a law enforcement bulletin alerted police to look for a Hummer to come to Philadelphia with people intending to intervene in the Pennsylvania Convention Center vote count.
Both were armed with handguns, and an assault rifle was found in the Hummer, just steps from the convention center.
A video on social media recorded by Macias just before his arrest was played in court. In the video, Trump’s supporter urged veterans, law enforcement and others not to give up, get involved and make sure every vote is counted.
But the community has never provided evidence of intent to shed blood or violence.
“It would have been a very different case if there had been evidence of mass shooting planning,” Asst said. Prosecutor Andrew Wellbrock.
The judge ordered both men to refrain from any such activity at the Capitol or will hold them in contempt of court.
Both are expected back in court later this month.
Macias and LaMotta are not the only ones in our area who the authorities say could be linked to the Chapter revolt.
Thomas Baranyi, from Ewing, New Jersey, was arrested on Tuesday, almost a week after making international headlines for what he witnessed.
Baranyi admitted in a TV interview that he was with a group of rebels who stormed the Chapter.
“The riot police came in and started taking us out with their sticks,” he said.
He told reporters that he was actually with fellow protesters, Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt, when she was shot and killed by Capitol police inside the building.
“We rushed into the rooms inside and there was a young lady rushing through the windows. A number of police officers and the Secret Service said “turn around, get off and get out of the way.” She ignored the call and as we ran to grab people and pull them back, they shot her in the neck, “Baranyi said.
Federal authorities used the TV interview as evidence in court. Baranyi was charged with disorderly conduct and violent entry into a restricted building. He was released on $ 100,000 bail.
As Baranyi left the chaotic scene last Wednesday, he told reporters he was unhappy with the election results and described how he violated the chapter.
“We tore up the scaffolding, threw flash bags and tear gas, and broke through all the rooms. Just trying to get into Congress or anyone we could get in and tell them we need some kind of investigation.” said Baranyi. said.
Seven SEPTA officers are being investigated in Philadelphia after attending the rally for President Donald Trump that preceded the deadly uprising, Action News learned.
The head of the SEPTA transit police, Thomas J. Nestel III, confirmed that the investigation will determine whether the officers engaged in criminal behavior or violated departmental policies and not whether they participated in the protest.
“It’s their first amendment. They can do this if they want to, but what worries us is whether they have been involved in criminal activity,” Nestel said.
The Philadelphia Police Department’s home affairs office is investigating whether a detective played a role in the riot.
Action News learned earlier this week that a detective had attended the rally in support of President Trump who preceded the insurrection.
Philadelphia Police released a statement saying: “We are aware of social media posts claiming that a Philadelphia Police Department detective may have attended the January 6 events in Washington, DC. An IAB investigation was opened to determine whether any PPD policies were violated by the detective and whether they participated in illegal activities during the presence. The detective’s mission was changed pending the outcome of the investigation. “
Philadelphia police continue to monitor possible threats to the area before the presidential inauguration.
They expect to provide more details on Thursday afternoon regarding their security efforts and say they are ready to make an additional reservation if necessary.
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