William Pope, a former defendant from the events of January 6, has taken a bold step in seeking clarity and justice. He has urged a U.S. district court judge to require the Department of Justice to provide him with the full case file that was used in what he describes as a “nearly four-year malicious prosecution.” Pope is determined to understand why the government’s actions against him were, in his view, unprecedented and vindictive. He questions the destruction or withholding of certain files, expressing these concerns in a motion to Judge Rudolph Contreras.
Pope, aged 38 and hailing from Topeka, Kansas, was initially facing a trial set for June 2025 on five criminal charges. Among these was a felony civil disorder count along with four misdemeanors. Known as the publisher of the news website Free State Kansas and a doctoral student at Kansas State University, Pope’s case took a significant turn when the Department of Justice acknowledged he had been “entirely peaceful” on that infamous day.
In his motion dated January 28, Pope emphasized the necessity for the government to hand over all outstanding files and information he had requested through various motions. He made it clear that if the government chose not to provide these items voluntarily, he would seek the court’s intervention to compel their production. His pursuit is not only about clearing his name but also about accurately documenting history.
During an interview with Blaze News, Pope articulated his quest for justice. “My goal is justice,” he stated. “I won my case, and I’m totally innocent, but the government has defamed me for four years with false allegations. I want to be able to document that for history to show people what I went through. There also may still be people and organizations that need to be held accountable. We have to make sure that radical government extremism never takes over America again.”
The case against Pope was dismissed with prejudice on January 21 by Judge Contreras, following a motion from new U.S. Attorney Edward Martin. Representing himself for much of the proceedings, Pope became recognized for uncovering tightly held government information, including undercover video footage, misconduct by some undercover officers, and the presence of suspected FBI informants amidst the January 6 crowd.
Pope continually highlighted the DOJ’s admission of his peaceful conduct on January 6. One of his significant findings was video evidence showing a fall-back order given to Metropolitan Police Department officers on the west side of the Capitol. This order, as Pope noted, “gave protesters ‘free access’ to enter the building.” He quoted a Metropolitan Police Department officer captured on body cam expressing disbelief, “I can’t believe they let them in.”
Daniel Ball, a public affairs specialist for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C., offered no additional comments outside what could be found in the court documents, reflecting the tight-lipped stance of the office on this matter.
Pope’s motion includes a list of 26 items he is seeking from the Department of Justice. His first demand is for the “government’s entire case file on me, including case notes and work product.” He is also interested in obtaining government emails related to his case and any communications with social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, as well as banking and finance institutions.
Pope further alleges that the government may have pressured these entities, either overtly or indirectly, to ban him from their services. This claim underscores his belief in the overreach of government influence and the need for transparency and accountability.
Among his demands, Pope specifically requests “all files and communications” pertaining to the destruction of bodycam video footage of his arrest on February 12, 2021. This evidence, according to him, is crucial in understanding the full scope of the government’s actions against him.
Throughout his legal battle, Pope has consistently called for a comprehensive review of the events surrounding his case. His motion seeks clarity on the involvement of both former and current FBI special agents at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, a detail he deems vital in piecing together the narrative of that day.
Pope’s actions are rooted in his desire to ensure that history accurately reflects the events and the government’s role in them. His pursuit of justice is not merely personal but also a broader effort to prevent government overreach from dominating American society.
As this legal saga continues, it is evident that Pope remains committed to his cause. His determination to uncover the truth and hold accountable those he believes wronged him is unwavering, driven by a deep-seated belief in justice and accountability.
The unfolding story of William Pope is a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by individuals seeking justice against powerful institutions. His journey underscores the importance of transparency and the ongoing struggle to maintain individual freedoms in the face of governmental actions.
In the end, Pope’s case serves as a testament to the resilience of those who stand firm in their convictions, seeking to expose the truth and ensure that the principles of justice and accountability remain cornerstones of American democracy.
3 Comments
These folks need to initiate a class action suit against Pelosi and Garland.
I’m down wit dat.
Throw Cheney and Schiff in there for good measure.
I hope he SUES that weaponized DOJ, and ALL of the people involved with this ‘unconstitutional’ predatory prosecution and ILLEGAL incarceration, denying ‘due process,’ to INNOCENT rally attendees! As is said far too often in America today, “You Just Can’t Make This Schiff Up.”