Judge: Rachel Powell's Mesh Mask 'Mocks' Court Order, Threatens To Put Capitol Riot Suspect Back In Jail
By: KDKA-TV News Staff
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Mercer County mother accused in the Capitol riots faces more legal trouble over a mask.
A trial judge in Washington, D.C. on Friday filed an order threatening to put Rachel Poawll back in jail.
Powell, known for her pink hat and bullhorn, is free on pre-trial release. A stipulation of that release is that she is required to wear a mask outside her home.
On March 31, images captured by a source were posted on a social media account for Mister Bookman, Powell's employer. The images showed Powell wearing a mesh mask and making fun of the order to mask up.
Judge Royce Lamberth wrote in his order that Powell's actions "mock and flout" the original order. He has asked Powell and her attorney to respond within 10 days or risk being held in contempt of court.
Last month, Powell was formally indicted by a grand jury on charges including act of physical violence in the Capitol grounds or buildings; obstruction of an official proceeding and aiding and abetting; destruction of government property; and engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon.
According to the indictment, Powell is accused of storming into a restricted section of the U.S. Capitol carrying an axe and a large wooden pole. She allegedly showed up to disrupt Congress and destroyed a window in her path, costing more than $1,000 in damage.
Powell's attorney has previously told KDKA she has no criminal record and poses no public threat.
