Ex-cop who stormed US Capitol is jailed after buying 37 guns and posting that 'violence' is better than 'peaceful protest'
Washington (CNN)A Virginia police officer who was fired after storming the US Capitol was jailed Wednesday by a federal judge because he ordered a large stockpile of guns and ammunition after his January arrest, and posted online in support of future political violence.
Thomas Robertson, a retired Army Reservist who later worked for the Rocky Mount Police Department, was one of the first rioters charged by the Justice Department.
He was released in January but re-arrested this month after investigators said they found a rifle and bomb-making material in his home, and also learned that he recently bought another 37 guns on the Internet. The decision from Judge Christopher Cooper means Robertson will stay behind bars until his case is resolved, which could take months or even drag into 2022.
His lawyer said Robertson is in solitary confinement, for his own safety, because he's a former police officer. He pleaded not guilty to four counts, including felony obstruction of congressional proceedings.
"There is probable cause to believe that Robertson committed a felony -- willfully shipping or transporting firearms and ammunition despite being under felony indictment," Cooper wrote in a ruling, concluding that there was no way to protect the public without keeping Robertson in jail.
"Robertson's procurement of these dangerous weapons under the surrounding circumstances heightens the risk to public safety," Cooper added.
The case highlights why prosecutors, federal judges and national security officials have warned of continued political violence from disillusioned supporters of former President Donald Trump.
more:
http://www.cnn.com/2021/07/28/politics/capitol-insurrection-guns-stockpile-fired-cop/index.html
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