Today, a federal judge ruled that one of the protestors who entered the Capitol in Washington DC on Jan. 6, 2021, was not guilty of all charges. 

US District Judge Trevor McFadden ruled that Matthew Martin from New Mexico “reasonably believed” police officers let him and others into the Capitol buildings. 

Martin faced misdemeanour charges for entering the building and allegedly engaging in disorderly conduct. He is the first demonstrator to be acquitted, while two other trials against those involved have ended in convictions already. 

Dozens of others have pleaded guilty without facing a trial.

McFadden claimed that Martin’s account of the Jan. 6 events was “largely credible” and that it was not unreasonable that DC police had allowed people to enter the grounds. 

Initially, Martin was charged with entering and remaining in a restricted building, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building, violent entry and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. He is now a free man. 

According to McFadden, Martin was a “silent observer of the actions of others,” and the judge did not find any evidence that he intended to disrupt any proceedings.

During his testimony, Martin claimed he “enjoyed the day” and called it “magical.”

“It was a magical day in many ways. I know some bad things happened,” said Martin. 

Over 770 people have been charged over the incident, and some have accused the Democrats of using the event to target their political opponents.

“Anyone who ever helped President Donald Trump is beyond the pale and must be subpoenaed, potentially bankrupted with legal fees, potentially jailed, and at a minimum driven from “decent” society,” wrote former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich.

Former President Donald Trump has essentially confirmed that he plans to run again in 2024, saying that he will “do it again, a third time.”