FBI agents handcuffed and escorted Blaze investigative reporter Steve Baker over his reporting on the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
The FBI on Friday issued a signed arrest warrant ordering Baker to surrender to a Dallas courthouse in connection with his participation in the riot, Baker said. twitter thread From Tuesday. At the time, he said he was working as an independent journalist, did not commit any property damage and only entered the Capitol building after the Senate and House of Representatives were evacuated. according to In Baker's October 2, 2023 article on this issue.
Video shows two officers walking a handcuffed Baker to a dark gray car and placing him in the back seat Friday morning.
Blaze Media Investigative Journalist @TPC4USA Currently in FBI custody due to J6 report
clock: pic.twitter.com/OF9WVh26ER
— The Blaze (@theblaze) March 1, 2024
Baker's attorney received “threats” from the FBI about Baker's future arrest on November 21, 2023 and December 23, 2023, respectively. According to his previous article, they reportedly told Baker and his defense team that he was being charged with “nonviolent misdemeanors,” including charges of “interstate racketeering and criminal damage to property.” ing. (Related article: 'Absolute chilling effect': Conservative reporter says FBI plans to arrest him for January 6 report)
As of Tuesday's notification, Baker said he was unaware of the specific charges against him. according to To The Blaze. His lawyer, James Lee Bright, said the nondisclosure was “really unusual.”
The exact price is not yet known. Technically speaking…it's still “under seal” until the warrant is issued. Everything else is still unknown. By the end of this week, I will officially become a petty domestic journo terrorist. (Like that) And then it begins ⬇️
— Steve Baker – TPC (@TPC4USA) February 28, 2024
In January, a lawyer representing Baker told the Blaze that the Justice Department may be plotting “retaliation” against Baker for breaking two “deeply embarrassing” articles about the department. He said there is.
“They didn't have to go down this path,” Baker told the Blaze in a statement Tuesday. “I've been told that my charges are just misdemeanors. And my lawyer assured me that this was an 'in and out' case and that there was 'no intention' to detain me.” . However, instead of issuing a simple citation, they resorted to an “arrest warrant.'' ”
While we defend a great journalist and a great friend, @TPC4USAwe are also aiming to restore @Rule of Law And we implore incumbent civil servants to enact reforms from within to restore these great institutions and bring enforcement back within historical norms. #January 6th #January 6th pic.twitter.com/iEhcq38q6W
— Brad Geyer (@BradGeyer) January 22, 2024
“I'm not depressed, but I'm not happy with the situation,” Baker continued. “I've been praying, 'Lord, please let this cup pass from me,' but apparently it's not.”
