U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth, a Reagan appointee, says he has been "shocked" at prominent political figures talk about Jan. 6 criminals, calling their remarks "preposterous." "In my 37 years on the bench, I cannot recall a time when such meritless justifications of criminal activity have gone mainstream." "That is all preposterous. But the Court fears that such destructive, misguided rhetoric could presage further danger to our country." "On January 6, 2021, a mob of people invaded and occupied the United States Capitol … This was not a protest that got out of hand. It was a riot; in many respects a coordinated riot."