Capitol attacker angrily turns against Trump
Dominic Pezzola was charged with conspiracy in the 1/6/2021 insurrection and is now asking the court to grant his release while he awaits his trial. He has no criminal history, and he says that his membership in Proud Boys was casual. He also claimed that Trump misled him, and he thought he was being patriotic. Dominic Pezzola regrets his participation in the insurrection.
His attorney says he acted out of a delusional belief that he was a patriot and was responding to Trump’s calls for action. Trump said that the election had been stolen from him and it was the duty of loyal citizens to “stop the steal”. He says he was among many who had been misled by Trump.
“Many of those who heeded his call will be spending substantial portions if not the remainder of their lives in prison as a consequence,” Pezzola’s attorney wrote. “Meanwhile Donald Trump resumes his life of luxury and privilege.”
And isn’t that the crux of the matter? Trump sets up these situations where he communicates what he wants done in general terms knowing how the words would be interpreted. In that respect, he gives general orders like a crime boss. Trump sets up the situation, draws people into his conspiracy, and then directs how he wants them to act. If something goes wrong and the conspiracy is exposed, Trump escapes from the worst of the punishment, while the people he directed risk significant punishment.
