Ex-Soldier Charged in Capitol Riot Released Despite Violent Past

A military veteran with a history of violence, including a manslaughter conviction, was ordered released from custody after being charged with attacking police officers during the January 6 Capitol riot.

A military veteran charged with assaulting police officers during the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol was ordered released from custody on Tuesday, a day after his arrest. Edward Richmond Jr., a former US Army soldier, was convicted of manslaughter for fatally shooting a handcuffed civilian in Iraq approximately two decades ago.

Arguments for Pretrial Detention

Federal prosecutor Lyman Thornton III argued for Richmond's pretrial detention, citing the discovery of an AR-15 rifle and ammunition during a search of his Louisiana home. Thornton emphasized that Richmond's criminal history prohibited him from possessing a firearm and highlighted his history of violence, including a "very aggressive posture toward law enforcement." The prosecutor suggested that the January 6 incident was a culmination of Richmond's deep-seated anger toward law enforcement.

Defense Arguments and Release Order

Defense attorney John McLindon countered that Richmond had not been hiding or running in the three years since the Capitol riot. McLindon pointed out that his client had been aware of the impending charges for nearly two years and had not attempted to flee. US Magistrate Judge Erin Wilder-Doomes ultimately ordered Richmond's release from custody after a detention hearing attended by relatives, including his 16-year-old son. The judge acknowledged Richmond's community ties and perceived him as a loving father.

Details of the Capitol Riot Involvement

According to an FBI agent's affidavit, Richmond, 40, of Geismar, Louisiana, was wearing protective gear and a Louisiana state flag patch when he assaulted police in a tunnel outside the Capitol on January 6, 2021. He was arrested on Monday in Baton Rouge on charges including civil disorder and assaulting, resisting, or impeding police with a dangerous weapon.

Prior Manslaughter Conviction

Richmond's military background includes a manslaughter conviction and a dishonorable discharge from the Army. At the age of 20, he was convicted by an Army court-martial panel for killing a handcuffed Iraqi civilian near Taal Al Jai in February 2004. Initially charged with unpremeditated murder, the charge was reduced to voluntary manslaughter by a panel of officers and enlisted soldiers. Richmond claimed that he believed the Iraqi man posed a threat to a fellow soldier, but evidence suggested he shot the man in the back of the head from close range.

Wider Context of January 6

Richmond's case is part of a larger investigation into the January 6 Capitol riot, with over 1,200 people facing federal charges related to the incident. Over 100 police officers were injured during the riot.