Chicago Man Contesting Jan. 6 Charges, Claims He Was There to Discuss Election Issues
A Man of Conviction and Contradiction
Larry Ligas, a lifelong Democrat, is a man of conviction, but also of contradiction. “You can’t trust politicians,” he told WGN News in a sit-down interview. “If a politician says they’re going to help you, don’t worry, you’ve got to worry.”
Background: Jan. 6, 2021
On January 6, 2021, Ligas traveled to DC, wearing a red MAGA cap, and was photographed by security cameras and his own cellphone during the insurrection at the Capitol. “I’m probably the only registered Democrat that was there,” he said, adding that he lost faith in the party over violent crime and illegal immigration at the southern border.
Disillusionment and Trump
Disillusioned, the longtime community activist found his way to Donald Trump. “I believe our country needed change,” Ligas said. “I thought Donald Trump was the person.”
Arrest and Charges
By the end of the year, Ligas, founder of the Logan Square Concerned Citizens group, was among the 50 or so Illinois residents arrested for their roles in the riot. He was charged with four misdemeanor counts of entering a restricted building, disorderly conduct in a restricted building, disorderly conduct, and parading in a Capitol building.
Legal Battle
Ligas claims he was not guilty and that his actions were peaceful. “I was not going to miss that day,” he said. “No one needed to ask me to go or suggest me to go. I went on my own.” He believes he was targeted for his work in Chicago election reform and his theories about Department of Justice abuses connected to the Biden presidency.
Theory of the Case
According to Ligas, he was at the Capitol to discuss the “Stop the Steal” movement and to talk to a member of Congress about a ballot audit in the swing states. “I wanted to talk to somebody, peacefully, civilly,” he said. “I was in the rotunda and that’s as far as I went. And in your mind, it was okay to be there? All the indications are is that I was allowed to be there.”
Facing Trial
Ligas has a status conference next week on his superseding indictment in Washington. After that, there will be a bench trial later this spring. “If I end up going to trial in spring, the facts, the truth will prevail,” he says, “that my charges were political sabotage.”
Conclusion
Larry Ligas is a man of conviction, but also of contradiction. As he faces trial, he remains steadfast in his claims of innocence and his determination to clear his name. Will he be able to prove his innocence and show that his actions on January 6, 2021, were peaceful and legitimate?
FAQs
* What are the charges against Larry Ligas?
+ Four misdemeanor counts of entering a restricted building, disorderly conduct in a restricted building, disorderly conduct, and parading in a Capitol building.
* What is Larry Ligas’ claim about his actions on January 6, 2021?
+ He claims he was at the Capitol to discuss the “Stop the Steal” movement and to talk to a member of Congress about a ballot audit in the swing states.
* What is Larry Ligas’ current status in the legal system?
+ He has a status conference next week on his superseding indictment in Washington, followed by a bench trial later this spring.
