The Justice Department has opposed multiple requests from January 6 defendants to attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. However, one defendant, Eric Peterson, has been granted permission by a federal judge to attend next month. 

Peterson, a military veteran and Kansas City resident, pleaded guilty to misdemeanors related to the January 6 Capitol breach. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who previously dismissed election interference charges against Trump, approved Peterson’s request to travel to Washington, D.C., for the inauguration. 

Peterson’s attorney, Michael Bullotta, argued that Peterson poses no risk, noting that he is a military veteran with no prior criminal history.

Bullotta stated: 

“There is no reason to believe that Mr. Peterson will be violent or present any danger to the residents of the District if the Court grants his request to attend the inaugural event.” 

Peterson has been allowed to remain free without bail until his sentencing. But is subject to several terms and restrictions, including limits on how far he can travel. Washington, D.C., falls outside those limits, requiring special approval from the court. Judge Chutkan noted that prosecutors did not file opposition to his request. 

The decision to allow Peterson to attend comes amid Trump’s promises to pardon most of the January 6 defendants, potentially rendering his pending sentencing moot.

In his "Person of the Year" interview with Time Magazine, Trump said:

Well, we're going to look at each individual case, and we're going to do it very quickly, and it's going to start in the first hour that I get into office.

And a vast majority of them should not be in jail. A vast majority should not be in jail, and they've suffered gravely.

Judge Chutkan said she has often reassured police officers impacted by the events of January 6 that “The rule of law still applies." Earlier this month, while sentencing a J6 defendant to eight months in prison, Judge Chutkan commented:

 “I’m not sure I can do that very convincingly these days.”

As I previously reported, the Justice Department has filed strong opposition in other cases, aiming to prevent defendants from attending Trump's inauguration next month. 

Read More: 

The DOJ Is Trying to Stop January 6 Defendants From Attending Trump's Inauguration

Prosecutors detailed their opposition to Cindy Young, who was convicted of four misdemeanors and sentenced in November. They argued that Young’s presence at the inauguration would endanger the D.C. community and re-victimize Capitol police officers. 

In their letter, prosecutors described Young’s behavior on January 6, noting that she remained in the Capitol until after the fatal shooting of Ashli Babbitt and has publicly mocked law enforcement officers in public statements since the event. 

Prosecutors wrote:

Beyond seeking retribution, Young has also mocked officer victims. Many of these officers will, once again, be tasked in protecting the Capitol and Constitution on January 20, 2025. As such, her presence at an event staffed by law enforcement would not only present a danger but would cause further victimization for the officers who Young has publicly mocked.

Russell Taylor, another January 6 defendant, has also petitioned the court for permission to attend the inauguration. Invited by members of Utah’s congressional delegation, Taylor awaits a ruling from U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth. 

For defendants like Peterson, the inauguration represents both a legal milestone and a symbolic event. With Trump's promises of clemency looming, the event symbolizes closure in their legal journeys and a turning point in their personal lives.