TL/DR –
Ray Epps, previously the subject of far-right conspiracy theories and lawsuits, has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge related to the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. Epps, who was falsely accused of being a government agent involved in a “false flag” event, was present during the riot and had encouraged Trump supporters to enter the Capitol but did not enter the building himself. Despite the conspiracy theories and his defamation suit against Fox News, Epps and his attorney have cooperated with the Department of Justice and he is set to be sentenced in December.
Man, Target of Conspiracy Theories, Pleads Guilty in Connection to Capitol Attack
Ray Epps, the subject of far-right conspiracy theories following his image’s circulation on the FBI’s Capitol Violence site, has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge relating to the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. Epps confessed to one count of disorderly or disruptive conduct on restricted grounds before U.S. District Chief Judge James Boasberg in Washington, participating virtually via Zoom.
Epps was targeted by many segments by former Fox News host Tucker Carlson. In response, Epps filed a defamation suit against Fox News in July. The conspiracy theories suggested Epps was a government agent and Jan. 6 was a “false flag” event instigated by the FBI.
Despite two-and-a-half years since the attack, over 100 individuals featured on the FBI’s site have been identified but remain at large. According to the FBI, Epps is not and never has been a bureau asset. As Epps relayed in an interview with the Jan. 6 committee last year, these theories have drastically disrupted his life.
Like many others, Epps was on the U.S. Capitol’s restricted grounds on Jan. 6. He was recorded urging Trump supporters to infiltrate the Capitol. Nevertheless, Epps never entered the Capitol nor engaged in violent or destructive activities, differentiating him from most Jan. 6 defendants.
The maximum sentence Epps faces is one year in prison, one year of supervised release, and a potential fine. Epps’s sentencing is scheduled for December 20 at 10a, with both him and his attorney waiving their physical appearance.
Michael Teter, Epps’s legal counsel, emphasised that Epps has taken responsibility and cooperated, claiming Epps’s plea agreement is “powerful evidence of the absurdity of Fox News’s and Tucker Carlson’s lies.” He further criticised Fox News for spreading falsehoods about Epps resulting in significant personal and professional loss.
In a related development, the FBI arrested a St. Louis man named Rally Runner last month. He was accused of being a law enforcement officer and an “agent provocateur” by Tucker Carlson. In actuality, Runner was an avid supporter of both Trump and Carlson.
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