Nick Smith, a lawyer for Ethan Nordean – one of the defendants in the case – argued that Trump’s comments didn’t reflect any of the actions his client and the four other defendants are alleged to have taken during the conspiracy, and that the infamous comment would be unduly prejudicial with the jury.
(District Judge Timothy) Kelly rejected the argument, noting that defendant Enrique Tarrio, the then chairman of the Proud Boys and a defendant in the trial, tweeted, “standing by, sir” immediately after the debate.
Good call by the judge.