A Colorado woman known as the 'J6 Praying Grandma' was convicted of four federal misdemeanor counts last week in connection to the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. Rebecca Lavrenz, a 71-year-old great-grandmother from Colorado Springs, was found guilty by a 12-member jury in Washington, D.C. The charges include entering and remaining in a restricted building, disorderly conduct, and parading in the Capitol.
Sentencing for Lavrenz is set for Aug. 12, and she could face up to a year in prison and fines exceeding $200,000. Lavrenz expressed surprise at the verdict but believes it was meant to amplify her voice in waking up the country. She stated that her intention at the Capitol was to pray and stand up for her First Amendment rights.
Former President Trump criticized the conviction, claiming Lavrenz was unfairly targeted by the Justice Department. He accused the Biden administration of prioritizing the prosecution of individuals like Lavrenz over violent criminals and illegal immigrants.
The Justice Department alleged that Lavrenz spent only 10 minutes inside the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. She admitted to participating in the 'Stop the Steal' rally and following the crowd to the Capitol building. Lavrenz observed confrontations between the crowd and police but noted that officers did not pursue individuals who breached the barriers.
Video footage corroborates Lavrenz's account of spending a brief time inside the Capitol, interacting with a Capitol Police officer before exiting through the same door she entered. The case has sparked debate over the handling of individuals involved in the Jan. 6 events and the broader implications for free speech and protest rights.
