In a scandalous turn of events, former Oath Keepers chapter leader Ray Epps, who was caught red-handed on video instigating the crowd to breach the U.S. Capitol on January 6, has been charged with a mere misdemeanor count. The charge? Disorderly or disruptive conduct on restricted grounds, according to the Associated Press. It seems like the Department of Justice (DOJ) is handing out get-out-of-jail-free cards for those who wreak havoc on our nation’s capital.
Epps, a 62-year-old Marine veteran from Arizona, was seen in multiple video clips riling up Trump supporters to “go into the Capitol” on January 6. “We need to go into the Capitol,” Epps brazenly declared in one clip. And yet, despite his inflammatory calls to action, he faces only a single misdemeanor charge.
This lenient treatment raises eyebrows, especially considering that Epps has long been accused by many of being an undercover federal agent who incited some of the day’s events. Although he has vehemently denied these accusations, the decision to charge him with a mere misdemeanor does nothing to quell these suspicions.
Adding fuel to the fire, NBC News reported that Epps might enter a plea deal on the charge. So not only does he face a minor charge, but he could also potentially walk away with a softened sentence. Is this justice, or is it a mockery of our legal system?
Meanwhile, other participants in the Capitol breach have been handed much harsher sentences. For instance, Proud Boys leader Zachary Rehl, who was reportedly seen with Epps, was convicted of seditious conspiracy and sentenced to 15 years in prison.
The lack of severity in Epps’ charges stands in stark contrast to the over 1,100 people charged with Capitol breach-related federal crimes, of which over 650 have pleaded guilty, more than 600 were sentenced, and half received terms ranging from three days to 22 years.
The question remains: Why does Epps, an instigator of the Capitol breach, face such lenient charges? Is this a case of unequal justice, or is there more to this story that we’re not being told?
The truth may be elusive, but one thing is clear: This is a glaring example of the inconsistencies and potential bias in our justice system. And as we watch this story unfold, we must continue to demand transparency, fairness, and justice for all.