By SOPHIA EPPOLITO Associated Press/Report for America
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Utah activist who filmed the fatal shooting of a Trump supporter during the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol will be released on house arrest, a federal judge ruled Friday.
John Sullivan, 26, a self-described journalist and liberal activist, was arrested Thursday and charged with civil disorder, violent entry or disorderly conduct and entering a restricted building or grounds.
He made his initial court appearance Friday via video conference where he was released on multiple conditions of release, including remaining at his home when he isn’t going to work, religious services or court appearances.
Assistant United States Attorney Bryan Reeves also requested for Sullivan to not have access to social media and that his internet access be monitored to limit his ability to incite violence.
“We understand that this individual thrives in chaos,” Reeves said. “He thrives in inciting chaos. He will use the guise of protest in order to generate chaos. He will pose as different members of organizations, those that have even disavowed him, so that he can generate this self-aggrandizing attention.”
Mary Corporon, Sullivan’s attorney, agreed with the request as long as it didn’t prohibit her client from finding employment.
Sullivan is prohibited from possessing any firearms, ammunition or other dangerous weapons and must not possess any narcotic drugs or controlled substances. He is also not allowed to leave the state and must relinquish his passport.
He is expected to appear for his next virtual court appearance on Jan. 22.
Sullivan released footage to the FBI that showed him entering the Capitol on Jan. 6 and roaming the building, according to arrest documents. His footage also included video of when Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt, of San Diego, was shot by Capitol Police outside the Speaker’s Lobby, according to court documents.
In one video, Sullivan can be heard cheering on the crowd as they broke through the final barricade before the Capitol and saying: “We did this together… We are all a part of history.”
In at least two encounters, Sullivan can be heard telling officers to stand down so they don’t get hurt and saying “the people have spoken,” according to an affidavit.
He told The Associated Press earlier this week that he was only there to document the events at the U.S. Capitol and didn’t attend the riot as a Trump supporter.
Sullivan was also charged with rioting and criminal mischief on July 13 following a June protest in Provo that resulted in an SUV driver being shot while driving through the two opposing groups. The case is pending.
Eppolito is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
