Capitol

Battle of Art and Authority: West Virginia Capitol Mural Conflict Escalates into Courtroom Drama

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Charleston, W.Va. — A mural project within the historic State Capitol Building in West Virginia has sparked legal action, prompting discussions surrounding the intersection of public art, political influence, and historical legacy. Amidst political tumult, the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History faces a lawsuit that aims to halt the installation of murals, commissioned to John Canning and Co., a Connecticut-based company. The controversy primarily involves objections to the artistic content and the manner the artists were chosen. Attorney Michael Hissam, representing the West Virginia Department Department of Arts, Culture and History, filed … Read more

Swansea Man Indicted on Multiple Charges for Role in January 6 Capitol Riot

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WASHINGTON — A former business owner from Swansea, Massachusetts, has been indicted on multiple charges stemming from his alleged participation in the January 6 Capitol riots. Michael St. Pierre is facing a seven-count superseding indictment that includes a felony charge of civil disorder, according to a document filed Wednesday in the District of Columbia. The charges against St. Pierre also comprise several misdemeanors: destruction of government property; unauthorized entry into restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disruptive behavior in a restricted setting; physical violence in a restricted building; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building; and … Read more

Lawsuit Challenges Launch of New Capitol Mural Initiative

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Phoenix, AZ — A legal challenge has been initiated in an attempt to halt a planned mural installation at Arizona’s state Capitol. Opponents of the project argue that the current process for approving the artwork fails to include sufficient public input, raising concerns about the themes and messages that will be depicted in such a prominent location. Advocates against the mural project filed the lawsuit, asserting that the Arizona Department of Administration, which gave the green light to the project, did not properly engage the community during the decision-making process. They emphasize the importance of … Read more

Ex-Legal Counsel for Oath Keepers Admits to Altering Evidence in Capitol Riot Case

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Washington, D.C. — In a significant development relating to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot investigations, a former attorney for the Oath Keepers, an extremist group, has pleaded guilty to charges of evidence tampering. This guilty plea marks a critical moment in the ongoing cases tied to the violent event that sought to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. The attorney, who had provided legal counsel to the Oath Keepers, admitted to altering, deleting, and falsifying records connected with the group’s communications prior to the Capitol attack. These documents included crucial digital communications between members of … Read more