Brandon Fellows, a participant in the famed January 6th Capitol riot, got himself a harsh lesson in court decorum and legal proceedings recently against U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden.
Fellows, notorious for his infamous picture lighting up a marijuana joint in the office of Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) during the insurrection, was subsequently found guilty of a felony and four misdemeanors. A photo documented Fellows’ defiant demeanor as he breached the Senate office through a broken window. (Image: Brandon Fellows via Department of Justice)
However, contrition seemed absent during his sentencing. Instead, Fellows exchanged sharp, disrespectful words with Judge McFadden, ignoring a fundamental tenet of jurisprudence that battling a judge, especially at sentencing, is a battle one is likely to lose.
In response, Judge McFadden retorted , “You have repeatedly made a mockery of these proceedings,” and “There is no grand conspiracy here against you,” and “It’s time for you to grow up!” The judge later sentenced Fellows to a three-and-a-half-year term.
Fellows’ fractious behavior was not a new phenomenon. He had previously called Judge McFadden a “modern day Nazi judge” and christened himself as “your favorite Political prisoner.” Fellows conduct during the trial was so concerning to the jury that they sought guarantees of protection against any personally identifying information getting into his hands.
This report sheds light on the brazen conduct of one participant in the Capitol riot and the swift response from the judicial system. It serves as a reminder that decorum and respect continue to play a pivotal role in legal proceedings, regardless of public sentiment or political extremism.