Juror In Proud Boys Trial Reportedly Raised Concerns She’s Being Followed

Topline

A juror in the federal trial of five members of the far-right Proud Boys group, who are charged with conspiracy to oppose the transfer of presidential power during riots on January 6, 2021, raised concerns she was being followed, CNN reported, adding to a host of hurdles that have delayed the trial’s conclusion.

Proud Boys members led protests against the 2020 presidential election results.

The Washington Post via Getty Images

Key Facts

The juror told the court an individual, whom she had seen on several occasions, approached her outside a Washington, D.C., metro station and asked if she was a juror, leading her to believe the person was following her, multiple sources told CNN.

The incident was discussed during multiple sealed hearings this week, and other jurors voiced a mix of reactions to her claim.

One reportedly speculated the person may be homeless, while one reportedly took a picture of the individual.

Others have told the court they’ve been “accosted,” according to CNN’s sources, though it’s unclear exactly what that meant.

Key Background

The juror’s claim is the latest wrench thrown into an already delayed trial, which began in December and was expected to wrap up as early as next week. Possibly the most important trial to emerge from the January 6 riots at the Capitol, the case has hit a series of delays, including long discussions among counsel before court proceedings and federal prosecutors accidentally disclosing classified material to Proud Boy defense attorneys.

Tangent

The Proud Boys trial is one of three seditious conspiracy trials related with the events of January 6. In the other two, six members of another far-right group known as the Oath Keepers were convicted of conspiracy in trials concluded in November and earlier this year.

What We Don’t Know

It remains unclear if the juror’s allegation will have any impact on the trial or further delay it, but one possibility is that the juror will be dismissed and replaced. Several defense lawyers have said they want a mistrial but don’t believe it will be granted, CNN reported.

Topline

Key Facts

Key Background

Tangent

What We Don’t Know

Further Reading