A federal judge on Friday tore into Capitol rioter Daniel Goodwyn for refusing to wear a mask during his hearing because Texas, telling the defendant that he will be locked up if he doesn’t comply.
According to The Washington Post, the confrontation took place during a hearing on Friday where Goodwyn pleaded not guilty to five charges in connection with the Jan. 6 riot.
According to court records, prosecutors were trying to revoke Goodwyn’s pretrial release over his behavior, including repeatedly flouting orders to wear a mask.
During Friday’s hearing, Goodwyn’s attorney, Daniel Hull, explained to Judge Reggie Walton that Goodwyn had autism, which makes it harder for him to wear masks, the Post reported.
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But when asked why he wouldn’t wear one, Goodwyn simply said “it stresses me out,” adding “I believe I would not cause someone to die by not wearing a mask.”
But Walton was clear: “If you can’t do that I’m going to have no alternative [but] to lock you up and keep you locked up until this case is resolved.”
“They don’t have to put their lives at risk, they don’t have to, and they will not,” Walton continued, referring to court staff.
Goodwyn replied: “I understand [but] I’m not going to do that, sir,” arguing that Texas doesn’t require masks indoors.
“I don’t care what the law in Texas is,” Walton fired back. “You don’t make the rules. You will be arrested.”
That’s when Goodwyn said he will obey the judge’s order.
Walton then decided not to lock him up and instead order Goodwyn to wear a mask whenever he meets with pretrial services or appears in court, according to The Post.
