Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
- Former Utah Rep. Chris Stewart has invited Jan. 6 defendant Russell Taylor to Donald Trump's inauguration.
- He asked a judge to allow Taylor, who pleaded guilty to obstruction charges, to attend.
- Stewart's letter emphasizes Taylor's community service, omitting mention of his charges.
SALT LAKE CITY — Former Utah Rep. Chris Stewart has invited a man who pleaded guilty to obstruction of an official proceeding for his part in the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol insurrection to Washington for President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration next month.
California resident Russell Taylor was one of several men charged with conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding after prosecutors said he helped organize a "group of fighters" to disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election on Jan. 6, 2021, per ABC. Taylor later pleaded guilty to a felony and must receive a judge's permission to travel to Washington as part of his probation.
Stewart, a Republican congressman from Utah who resigned his seat last year, wrote a letter to U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth on Taylor's behalf, saying he had invited Taylor, his wife and three children to attend Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration. The letter was submitted to the judge along with a motion asking for permission for Taylor to travel for the inauguration.
Taylor's attorney noted that judges have agreed to previous travel requests and wrote that "Mr. Taylor has remained compliant with all court orders and has not given any indications of trouble or concern.
"Russ Taylor is a man of integrity and faith who has served those who are less fortunate," Stewart wrote. "He is constant in his service to members of his local church congregation and others not of his faith in his community. Russ is a successful entrepreneur and business owner with his wife. He is (a) caring father and reveres his family, his faith, and his love of our country as his highest priority in life. He is admired by many, and especially those in his community. Russ' passion for what is right and good is reflected in his intentions to lift others."
Stewart's letter did not mention the charges stemming from Trump's efforts to stay in power after losing the 2020 presidential election to President Joe Biden. It did, however, note that "three other current members of the Utah congressional delegation join with me in extending this invitation," but the letter did not mention those members by name.
Spokespersons for Reps. Blake Moore, John Curtis, Burgess Owens and Celeste Maloy told KSL.com Thursday the lawmakers have not extended invitations to the inauguration. Maloy — a former legal staffer to Stewart — was elected to replace her boss in a special election last year. Utah Sen. Mike Lee did not respond to a request for comment.
Dyke E. Huish, Taylor's attorney, told NBC News that Taylor had friends in common with Stewart, whom he met after he was sentenced.
"They're just friends, and he said, 'Hey, would you like to come to the inauguration?' and he sent off a letter, and I've got to ask the judge permission, and here we are," Huish said.
Trump has promised to pardon Jan. 6 defendants "very quickly, first day," when he takes office.
