John Banuelos, accused of firing a gun outside the Capitol during the January 6 attack, was ordered to remain in custody by a federal judge in Chicago, citing the act as dangerously reckless. Initially identified by NBC News in February 2022, it took additional video footage released by another riot participant last month to show Banuelos allegedly firing the weapon. Following this, the FBI intensified their investigation, leading to his arrest at his mother’s home, where a BB-gun and a starter pistol were discovered.
Prosecutors highlighted Banuelos’ behavior as “mind-numbingly dangerous,” emphasizing no release conditions could ensure community safety. His history includes a notable criminal record, with an instance of a fatal stabbing in Utah in 2021, where he was not charged due to claims of self-defense. Banuelos’ alleged actions on Jan. 6, firing shots into the air amidst a chaotic scene, posed significant risk, although no direct harm resulted from this specific act.
The case against Banuelos forms part of the broader prosecutorial efforts following the Capitol riot, with over 1,300 charged and more than 950 convictions secured. Banuelos stands among the few detained pre-trial for community safety or flight risk concerns.
In related news, former President Trump announced intentions to “Free the January 6 Hostages” upon reelection, drawing a controversial comparison between the U.S. judicial process and terrorist hostage-taking, shortly after securing the Republican nomination for the next presidential election.
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