Richard Barnett is expected to testify in court during the trial against him this week, a Fort Smith television station reported Wednesday.
Barnett, 62, of Gravette, Arkansas, is facing charges over the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol in 2021. Those charges include obstruction of an official proceeding, theft of government property, and entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon.
Barnett was photographed with his feet up on a desk in Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office during the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. He also took an envelope from her office.
The prosecution rested Wednesday afternoon, meaning Barnett could testify as soon as Thursday.
The jury heard testimony from a member of Pelosi’s staff, a captain in the capitol police force last week.
A worker at Bass Pro Shop in Rogers also took the stand, testifying that he sold Barnett the items that he’s accused of using at the Capitol.
The defense has focused on establishing Barnett’s actions as separate from that of others at the Capitol. They say he didn’t personally touch the electoral ballots, engage in violence against police or disrupt proceedings.
The defense also tried painting Barnett as what they call “the crazy uncle.” They say he may say things that are politically incorrect, and make people uncomfortable, but it’s not illegal.
They also compared the Capitol insurrection to Black Lives Matter protests to say not everyone present at a rally is responsible to property damage done at the event.
