Prosecutor: First Capitol rioter on trial 'lit the match'

WASHINGTON - A Texas militia member who is the first person to be tried for the assault on the U.S. Capitol "lit the match that started the fire" when a mob charged at police officers guarding the building, a prosecutor said Wednesday during the trial's opening statements.

A defense lawyer told jurors that the Justice Department's case against Guy Wesley Reffitt is based on "a lot of hype" and a "rush to judgment" against a man who is prone to bragging, exaggerating and ranting.

"He uses a lot of hyperbole, and that upsets people," said Reffitt's attorney, William Welch.

https://www.startribune.com/prosecutor-first-capitol-rioter-on-trial-lit-the-match/600152086/