John Strand, one of the few J6 defendants who declined a plea agreement, was found guilty of all five obstruction and trespassing charges Tuesday.
After closing statements Monday morning, the jury spent the day debating but couldn’t reach a verdict, giving Strand’s team false optimism. The jury was selected from a city that voted 93% for Democrat Joe Biden. Short-lived hope. Tuesday morning, the jury found him guilty of all charges.
Strand is a J6 outlier. Most J6 defendants avoid DC for fear of a biased jury. Most J6 defendants plead guilty, including his former supervisor Dr. Simone Gold. Strand’s sentencing is currently set for January 12, 2023.
The government’s emotional appeal at trial distorted the truth. The government sent in emotional guards and cops to depict the fear and terror of that day. Strand did not experience or participate in what happened.
The Government attorneys won on their emotional appeal. The government blended January 6 horror tales to make Strand seem callous and active.
However, Video and pictures refute all charges they claim he participated in. Strand lost his case, and the government won either by internal politics against Strand or by the DOJ’s emotional pleas.
Here are the charges that were filed against Strand.
- CHARGE 1: OBSTRUCTION OF OFFICIAL PROCEEDING
- CHARGE 2: ENTERING IN RESTRICTED GROUNDS
- CHARGE 3: DISORDERLY CONDUCT IN A RESTRICTED BUILDING
- CHARGE 4: DISORDERLY CONDUCT IN CAPITOL BUILDING
- CHARGE 5: PARADING OR PICKETING A CAPITOL BUILDING
The government said Strand joined the J6 gathering to halt a congressional procedure. The government cited Strand’s social media and text conversations referring to a stolen election as proof he flew to DC to block Congress from certifying the 2020 presidential election.
In an unusual twist, government attorneys alleged John Strand was a General conducting a Civil War against the nation’s Capitol:
Strand’s defense
Strand said the Federal Court in Washington DC; he attended the January 6 rally as Dr. Simone Gold’s security. He went to DC, for this reason, not to hinder an election, as the administration claims.
Strand, a failing actor in California, was in an “imbalanced” relationship with the elder Gold, whom he labeled “headstrong” and “forceful.” A key reason why Strand was on Capitol Hill on January 6
Strand’s defense team presented his California security guard license, messages, and rally plans to indicate he would have been in California without Dr. Gold’s lecture.
Facts
Strand became politically engaged in the months preceding up to January 6, as shown by his calendar and text messages, but without Dr. Gold’s trip to DC, Strand would not have been near the Capitol. A fact that refutes the government’s claim that Strand planned a revolt.
The government had to change its weakest argument. The administration contended Monday that “INTENT” to lead an uprising and impede Congress wasn’t premeditated. The intent might be developed instantly; the government believes it doesn’t matter if Strand meant to impede Congress; he could have done so when he had the chance.
Dr. Gold’s January 5, 2021, address near the Capitol was postponed. Strand stated his employer and then-girlfriend intended to hear President Trump’s speech on January 6, 2021, near the Capitol despite her speech being canceled.
John Strand had an odd manner of ‘leading’ by serving as Dr. Gold’s physical buffer and stood behind her much of the time he was in the Capitol.
Charge 2 ENTRY ON RESTRICTED GROUNDS
The government stated Monday that Strand “should have known better” to enter restricted Capitol grounds, and Strand should have noticed a police lineup and barriers and stopped.
Strand’s defense
Strand and his team contended the DOJ-cited police roadblock had already dissolved when Strand and Dr. Gold arrived at the Capitol steps.
Strand and his colleagues have also contended that Strand, who shielded Dr. Gold with both arms on Capitol grounds, was obeying Dr. Gold’s requests to follow the crowd. Once entangled, Strand and Gold couldn’t escape the chaos.
Strand’s unfamiliarity with the Capitol was another defense. The defense contends that in a fast-moving, forceful crowd, it’s hard to determine where you are and where “restricted” Capitol grounds are. If you’re not from DC like Strand.
Facts: Video and photos show Strand holding Dr. Gold and guiding her through a crowd. The crowd sweeps them up the steps and presses them against the East doors.
Strand never pushes past police, a barricade, or any other restrictions. Strand and Gold enter the Capitol to evade a rising throng outside.
Charges 3 & 4 DISORDERLY CONDUCT IN RESTRICTED AND CAPITOL BUILDINGS
On Capitol grounds, the government argued that Strand participated in disruptive conduct. Dr. Gold crawled to the base of a statue in Statuary Hall to give her lecture on medical independence. Strand is standing next to her, clutching his hands to his ears.
Strand’s defense
Strand says he climbed the monument to protect his employer. Strand’s counsel also pointed out that he didn’t carry any firearms, didn’t commandeer any on Capitol grounds, didn’t touch or harass cops, didn’t destroy or damage property, or employed chemical agents. Strand and his employer left when instructed by cops.
FACTS: Strand didn’t destroy property or approach capitol authorities or guards. Disorderly conduct in and around the Capital is a stretch, especially given that J6 officials like Ray Epps deliberately ordered and rallied the mob to go *inside* the Capitol. Strands’ activities on camera don’t look disorganized.
Charge 5 PARADING OR PICKETING IN THE CAPITOL
The government can easily comprehend this claim. It’s prohibited to display placards, parades, or pickets within the Capitol, which Strand was accused of doing on January 6.
Strand’s defense
Strand’s defense used the Oxford dictionary to argue that he was neither parading nor picketing. Strand was signless. Far from joining a mob or march, he was pulled into the crowd while protecting Dr. Gold.
Facts: As in prior defense arguments, Strand was only at the Capitol because of Dr. Gold. No placards, slogans, or MAGA apparel. Strand mostly shields Dr. Gold from the crowd.
Strand’s Sentence
Strand faces 24 years in federal prison if Judge Christopher Cooper adopts sentence guidelines for all five guilty convictions.
Cooper is unlikely to sentence Strand to the full maximum sentence. Dr. Gold, who was Cooper, was recently freed after 60 days.
Strand’s sentence is scheduled for 2023.