WASHINGTON D.C. – Federal judge Thomas Hogan denied bond Tuesday for two Capitol riot defendants accused of pepper spraying police, including Morgantown businessman George Tanios and his friend Juliane Khater. The judge said despite criminal history, the pair planned in advance their trip to the Capitol and it was clear the men intended to assault officers on January 6.
For the last several weeks Tanios and Khater have been compiling character witnesses and endorsement letters seeking their release.
Attorneys for Tanios said the mace and bear spray was purchased only after determining the items were legal to take to Washington D.C. Further, attorneys said the two men were concerned about violence after watching protests leading up to the election.
“Tanios has presented evidence that they bought them to protect themselves from attacks that may have occurred, but they obviously could be used otherwise and they brought them with them to the city,” Judge Hogan said,” Mr. Tanios obviously aided and coordinated with Mr. Khater. First, on bringing these materials down that could be used and then in the assault on the police officers.”
The judge said the actions of the pair were not directly connected with the breech of the US Capitol, but their actions contributed to it.
“That assault, and I think Mr. Tanios was engaged in it as an aider and abettor,” Judge Hogan said,” Committed an assault which helped lead to the violent breech of the US Capitol and that indicates a finding of dangerousness.”
The judge noted that Khater drove from New Jersey and Tanios from Morgantown to participate- further evidence of planning their actions.
At least three Capitol police officers were injured during the attack. Officer Brian Sicknick died a day later.
Khater and Tanios are not being charged in the death officer Brian Sicknick.
A discovery hearing has been scheduled for June 16 at 10 a.m.