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âDefendant Harkriderâs travel to Washington, D.C., was part of a pre-planned, coordinated act, in which he and his co-defendant, Ryan Nichols, prepared for violence, transported and carried weapons, and discussed going to the Capitol on January 6, 2021,â according to court documents. âThe evidence demonstrates that Defendant Harkriderâs actions were not those of a mere follower nor a peaceful protester.âIn his pretrial release request, Harkriderâs attorney claimed that he âdid not engage in prior planning.â However, text messages between Harkrider and Nichols released by the government in court documents show the pair expressed excitement for the possibly of participating in an âactual battleâ on Jan. 6.
Text messages: East Texas men charged in Capitol riots expected, wanted battle
Newly released text messages between two East Texas men charged in the Jan. 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol show they were preparing for a “war zone.” Author: Longview News-Journal Updated: 8:06 AM CDT April 15, 2021
GREGG COUNTY, Texas Newly released text messages between two East Texas men charged in the Jan. 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol show the pair were preparing for a “war zone.”
U.S. attorneys argue in court documents that Alex Kirk Harkrider, 34, of Carthage, should not be released pending trial despite his recent request to revoke his detention order and modify his bond.