DeKalb GA News

Ryan Zink, a defendant in the January 6 Capitol incident and a congressional candidate, is engaged in a legal battle with the United States government over a protective order on discovery materials. The government opposes his motion to lift this protective order, citing concerns for the safety of "witnesses and victims," as well as national security, according to a 13-page filing in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

The protective order has been criticized by some, who argue it serves to hide the potential misconduct by Metropolitan and Capitol Police officers on January 6, 2021. These officers allegedly escalated the situation through the use of tear gas and rubber bullets. "The government’s narrative conveniently ignores them, focusing instead on protecting the officers who set the stage for tragedy," it is claimed.

The government also aims to protect the privacy of "witnesses" such as the "Sedition Hunters," a group that utilized AI tools to identify some defendants involved in the January 6 events.

Ryan Zink was convicted in 2023 of obstructing an official proceeding, alongside other misdemeanors. Later, the Supreme Court remanded one charge, but Zink had already faced prison time and supervised release. Pardoned by the Trump administration, Zink is now seeking to expose government overreach from the January 6 investigations by making public discovery materials.

Despite Zink "agreeing" to the protective order, it's described as a forced choice, where refusal would have restricted his access to evidence. The government sites national security as a reason to maintain the protective order without providing concrete examples.

The government filing, involving J6 prosecutor Jennifer Blackwell, warns that lifting the protective order could harm national security and others, while suggesting alternative means like the Freedom of Information Act to obtain such documents.

Zink's motion will be decided by Judge James E. Boasberg. His campaign for Congress continues alongside investigations into the January 6 events, advocating for transparency in government actions post-January 6, 2021.