Edward Richmond Jr, a military veteran who was convicted of manslaughter and dishonorably discharged from the Army, was released from custody on Tuesday. The day before, he had been arrested and placed in pretrial detention.
Illegal possession
When authorities searched Richmond’s home, they found an AR-15 rifle and ammunition. Richmond is banned from possessing firearms because of his criminal history, making his possession of the AR-15 illegal.
Threat to others
Federal prosecutors argued that Richmond had displayed a “very aggressive posture toward law enforcement.” They argued that he was dangerous and a flight risk.
Pending charges
Richmond is charged with assaulting Capitol police officers during the Jan 6 riot. A federal prosecutor said that Richmond’s attack “was a culmination of deep-seated anger toward law enforcement.”
Ready for battle
According to an FBI agent, Richmond was dressed in a helmet, shoulder pads, and goggles on Jan 6. He used a baton to attack a police officer outside the Capitol.
List of charges
On Monday, Richmond was arrested on charges including assault with a dangerous weapon and civil disorder. He is one of over 1,200 individuals to have been charged with federal crimes related to the Jan 6 riot.
“Loving father”
A US Magistrate Judge disagreed that Richmond should be detained, however. The judge said that Richmond “appears to be a loving father” and did not present a danger to his community.
Not running away
Richmond’s defense attorney pointed out that Richmond “knew about this problem coming up on two years now, and he has not fled.” He therefore should not be considered a flight risk, the attorney argued.
Criminal history
In February 2004, Richmond killed a handcuffed Iraqi civilian. He was convicted by a court-martial panel of voluntary manslaughter.
Cold killing
According to the Army, Richmond shot the Iraqi cow herder in the back from close range when the man stumbled. Richmond argued that he thought the man was not handcuffed and was about to hurt another soldier.
The argument
“It was a reaction,” Richmond claimed. “I fired in self-defense of another soldier, in which deadly force is authorized.” However, according to an Army statement, he admitted that he hadn’t seen the Iraqi man with a weapon.
Reduced charges
Richmond was first charged with unpremeditated murder, but the court-martial panel reduced this to voluntary manslaughter. Unpremeditated murder carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Kicked out
As a result of his actions, Richmond was dishonorably discharged from the Army. He was one of only several US soldiers to be court-martialled on murder charges during the Iraq war.
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