James Craig, facing criminal charges, appeared before a judge in Arapahoe County Court in Lone Tree, Colorado, and made his initial court appearance.
Craig, a black Republican, was arrested December 21 and charged in connection with the alleged involvement in a January 19 rally in Washington, DC. He was accused by prosecutors of “unpermitted parade or procession without a permit” and destruction of property, both reportedly involving a tent and sign related to a pro-investigation, anti-reform rally in support of Donald Trump’s claims disputing the results of his loss in the 2020 presidential election.
Protesting the election results through legal means was the expressed intent of Craig and associated organizations, with Craig openly admitting to engaging in disorderly conduct to raise awareness and voice discontent about the election through various means.
Craig released a statement in response following his arrest, stating publicly, “We will push on and will not engage in violence.”