Weed-Smoking Capitol Rioter: Jan 6 Was 'Beautiful Day,' Compares Himself To Elon Musk

A federal jury heard opening arguments on Wednesday in the trial of the weed-smoking Capitol rioter who was filmed with his legs on Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley's desk on Jan. 6, 2021. 

Brandon Fellows, who is representing himself, was charged with 10 counts of obstructing an official proceeding, entering the restricted Capitol grounds and disorderly conduct in the Capitol building. 

In his opening statement, Fellows made it clear that he didn’t see anything wrong with his actions at the Capitol that day. He called Jan. 6 a “beautiful day” and said he was glad members of Congress were afraid of the rioters.

“I truly do like the fact that those senators and congressmen were in fear for their lives,” Fellows said.

Claiming he had no knowledge that what he did on Jan. 6 was illegal, Fellows blamed the capitol police for not mentioning that he was breaking the law.

Compares Himself To Elon Musk And Supreme Court Judge

Fellows took exception to the Washington jury pool where President Biden garnered 92% of the vote in 2020. He also told the court he had Asperger’s syndrome and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, although he considers himself to be high-functioning like Tesla TSLA CEO Elon Musk, whom he said he looks up to.

He also compared himself to Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh who was accused of sexually assaulting Christine Blasey Ford while they were in high school. 

“View me as a human being despite our differences,” Fellows said. “I don’t hate you guys, but my politics are different from the Democratic party’s.” 

Justice Department attorney Carolina Nevin countered Fellows’ “almost comedic” actions seen in photos of him smoking weed and charging his phone as cool as a cucumber with his feet on Sen. Merkley’s desk.

Judge Nevin, according to Courthouse News Service, said the photos represented a sharp break in the nation’s democratic traditions, like the peaceful transfer of power - a pillar of American democracy. 

The proceedings before U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden, a Trump appointee, will continue throughout the week. 

Photo of Brandon Fellows circulated on Twitter and later used by govt. officials