Trump Protestors Cleared of all Charges

Six protesters cleared of all charges related to riots that broke out at Trump's inauguration were jubilant and declared a victory for lawful dissent after a jury found them not guilty following a month-long trial.  The jury deliberated for almost a week before delivering its verdict in D.C. Superior Court.

“People won’t be afraid to show up and go protest and get in the streets and not be worried that they’ll get mass arrested like we did,” said Michelle Macchio, one of the six acquitted defendants. “This sets a really strong precedent that that’s not ok and you can’t criminalize dissent.”

Each protester faced up to six months for misdemeanor rioting and up to 10 years behind bars for felony destruction of property.  Defense attorneys said, "The government’s charges are ridiculous. They really are an attempt to criminalize dissent in this country,” Armento said. “We’re not going to buy it. The jury didn’t buy it. The American people didn’t buy it and they need to drop those charges.”

As of today, the government still plans to put the remaining 188 protesters on trial in groups of five or six-- starting next January.  In light of today's results, and facing public pressure, that may change.