OMAHA, Nebraska – Brandon Straka is a social media influencer who founded the #WalkAway campaign, which encourages people to leave the Democratic Party.
He was also present at the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021, and later pleaded guilty to one count of disorderly conduct in a Capitol building as part of a plea deal.
“We asked the DOJ if they would drop the felony charges if I pled guilty to a misdemeanor, and ultimately, that’s what ended up happening,” Straka told the reporter.
He received a three-year probation sentence, which he said would have ended on Thursday.
Regardless, he told First Alert 6 on Wednesday that he was relieved to receive his pardon from President Donald Trump Monday night.
“At the same time, I also felt very emotional because I know what I’ve gone through for the last four years, and I know what everybody that has been dragged into this has gone through,” he told me.
He denies participating in a riot, claiming that by accepting the plea deal, he admitted to things he claims were false. Prosecutors allege that he was shouting “Go,” encouraging the crowd to enter the Capitol building.
He offers a different perspective.
“A girl pushed her way out of the crowd. And as she pushed her way out, everyone began to lose their balance. So I created an opening for her and told her to go. Go,’ She responds by saying, “Relax.” Relax. I’m going.
“I do not believe I am the cause of people’s fear. I don’t believe I engaged in any frightening or harmful behaviors. Nonetheless, I was present at an event where that occurred, which I believe is regrettable.
Not everyone is pleased with Trump’s pardon.
Nebraska Representative Don Bacon stated that it should have been more targeted.
“Some of those who went inside the Capitol with the open door, there was no violence, no vandalism,” says Bacon. “I can understand showing mercy to someone in that situation.
However, if you hit a cop—and 140 cops were injured—or vandalize the Capitol, I believe there should be consequences. So I disagree with that part.”
Sen. Pete Ricketts appeared to echo that sentiment during a press conference on Wednesday.
“The people who assaulted police officers should have to carry out their sentences,” she said.
Straka informed First Alert 6 that he has been living under federal supervision in Omaha. He was in Washington D.C. on Wednesday to attend events related to Trump’s inauguration.
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