Ray Epps, who was captured on camera donning a Trump hat during the January 6 riot, is reportedly being notified by federal law enforcement officials about the charges to be filed against him in relation to the incident, according to his attorney. This disclosure was mentioned in a lawsuit filed by Epps against Fox News and its former anchor, Tucker Carlson, for defaming him.
Several people have accused Epps of being an undercover federal agent who caused certain events on that day. However, Epps has vehemently denied being a federal agent.
According to Epps’ lawyer, the DOJ has informed Epps about their plan to prosecute him and Carlson is being held responsible for the charges that may arise.
“Finally, in May 2023, the Department of Justice notified Epps that it would seek to charge him criminally for events on January 6, 2021—two-and-a-half years later,” the lawsuit said. “The relentless attacks by Fox and Mr. Carlson and the resulting political pressure likely resulted in the criminal charges.”
From the evidence captured in various videos on January 6th and the previous day, it appears that Epps played a central role in initiating the Capitol riot. The Arizona-based 62-year-old Marine veteran was seen urging fellow Trump supporters to join him in storming the Capitol building.
“I’ll say it. We need to go into the Capitol,” Epps says in one clip. At least four times on video, Epps repeats his call to action to “go into the Capitol.”
Lawmakers grilled FBI Director Christopher Wray on Wednesday about a range of topics that included Epps.
“I’m not going to engage here in a discussion about individual people who are or are not going to be prosecuted,” Wray responded.
Honestly, I never thought that this would ever happen. I figured that he was just going to get let off the hook even though he’s been on caught on camera instigating people to go into the building.