Unicorn Riot Reports Live From J20 Trial

Journalists with Unicorn Riot reported live from the J20 trial today, where it was revealed that police had plans to carry out a mass arrest before the kettle actually took place. The trial represents an unprecedented attempt by the State to criminalize protest and pressure almost 200 people mass into accepting deals via the threat of felony charges which would result in essentially life sentences: upwards of 60 years in prison.

Prosecutors with the US attorney’s office have noted that no one in the trial group of 8 people is actually believed to have been involved in the property destruction of corporate and bank windows, but are guilty of conspiracy based on the fact that they all wore black and chanted similar slogans.

Here’s Unicorn Riot’s coverage from today, which also saw a solidarity rally organized.

Trials for first group of #J20 defendants mass arrested protesting Trump inauguration to continue in DC Superior Court this week as @USAO_DC continues to push unprecedented mass felony charges based on protest attendance pic.twitter.com/B4gGOveCHL

— Unicorn Riot (@UR_Ninja) November 27, 2017

Video update: UR will be reporting from court throughout #J20Trials, will be providing reports from hearings as proceedings continue pic.twitter.com/MfTMzjgmTU

— Unicorn Riot (@UR_Ninja) November 27, 2017

We were just live outside DC Superior Court as #J20 defendants and supporters rallied before trial resumes for the week. You can check out the archived broadcast here: https://t.co/7jPLvGIHKn pic.twitter.com/2eRvK90Ps9

— Unicorn Riot (@UR_Ninja) November 27, 2017

#J20Trials in DC Superior Court currently on 15 min recess. Prosecution witness examination today has thus far centered on surveillance video of broken Starbucks windows, despite @USAO_DC's admission that no one in current trial group broke the windows.

— Unicorn Riot (@UR_Ninja) November 27, 2017

Prosecution witness (security director for hotel attached to the Starbucks, which was closed for renovations on #J20) estimated total damages of $3,300.

— Unicorn Riot (@UR_Ninja) November 27, 2017

First trial of Trump inauguration protesters has broken for an hour lunch. Govt attorneys from @USAO_DC spent another hour on details of broken windows, despite their admission that none of the defendants (which includes medics & a reporter) were involved in property destruction.

— Unicorn Riot (@UR_Ninja) November 27, 2017

Only portion of today's examination and cross-examination of prosecution witnesses in the first #J20 inauguration mass arrest trial that possibly involves current defendants is whether or not people allegedly "cheered" when windows were broken at Starbucks and Bank of America.

— Unicorn Riot (@UR_Ninja) November 27, 2017

#J20 inauguration day mass arrest trial is again on 15 min recess. Govt lawyers from @USAO_DC spent more hours after lunch asking managers from McDonald's and another restaurant about property damage despite their admission that no defendants in this trial group damaged property.

— Unicorn Riot (@UR_Ninja) November 27, 2017

Ofcr. Forrester said he was told to not let anyone leave after police formed a line. Kerkhoff from @USAO_DC focused on his claims that the crowd attacked officers. Defense counsel reiterated that his body camera footage showed legal observers were among those forcibly detained.

— Unicorn Riot (@UR_Ninja) November 27, 2017

Officer Forrester appeared unable to distinguish between reporters, and protesters who allegedly committed crimes. At one point he spoke of "a lot of people with cameras filming and throwing stuff."

— Unicorn Riot (@UR_Ninja) November 27, 2017

https://twitter.com/UR_Ninja/status/935251162617524225

Last witness to testify in #J20 trial today was DC Police Ofcr. Kamil Rembiszewski, who was also deployed in a Civil Disturbance Unit (CDU) platoon. He testified that he saw property that was damaged during inauguration day protests, but did not see any "actual acts" take place.

— Unicorn Riot (@UR_Ninja) November 27, 2017

Rembiszewski's testimony during cross-examination was cut short as Judge Leibovitz ended court for the day. His cross-examination by the defense is expected to resume at 9:45 AM tomorrow. When asked, he stated he could not identify any individuals who allegedly committed crimes.

— Unicorn Riot (@UR_Ninja) November 27, 2017

Video update: First trial from mass arrests of Trump inauguration protesters has broken til tmrw morning. Today saw testimony from many prosecution witnesses, future of the case is unclear. #J20 pic.twitter.com/TdHqjvl4BU

— Unicorn Riot (@UR_Ninja) November 27, 2017