Ray Epps, the individual seen wearing a Trump hat during the January 6 riot, has received notification from federal law enforcement officials of their intention to charge him in connection with the events of that day, as confirmed by his attorney.
This unexpected development emerged during a lawsuit filed by Epps against Fox News, where he accuses the network and former host Tucker Carlson of defaming him. Epps vehemently denies being an undercover federal agent, despite persistent allegations.
Within the lawsuit, Epps’ lawyer reveals that the Department of Justice recently informed Epps about their plan to pursue criminal charges. The attorney points to Carlson and the relentless attacks by Fox News as factors that likely influenced the DOJ’s decision, attributing political pressure to the situation.
Epps played a prominent role throughout the Capitol riot. As a 62-year-old Marine veteran from Arizona, he appeared in multiple video clips from January 6 and the preceding day, actively encouraging other Trump supporters to join him in entering the Capitol building. His calls to action were captured on video, repeatedly urging individuals to participate in storming the Capitol.
During a congressional hearing, FBI Director Christopher Wray faced questioning on various matters, including Epps. However, when asked about individual prosecutions, Wray chose not to engage in discussion on specific cases.
The case of Ray Epps continues to generate significant interest, raising further questions about the events of January 6 as the legal proceedings unfold and new revelations come to light.