Ammon Bundy trial brings yelling, protests, release orders and more
BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — More details unfolded during an arraignment on Tuesday for Ammon Bundy and another man who were arrested on failure to appear after refusing to wear a mask to their initial trial.
The initial trial for Bundy and Aaron Schmidt was for trespassing; an incident stemming from protests at the Statehouse in August.
Bundy tried explaining he was prepared to participate in his trial on Monday and looked forward to explaining to a jury how he would be acquitted. However, he refused to wear a mask, which is a requirement to get into the building.
That's when the judge issued a warrant on failure to appear. He was arrested later that afternoon.
The Ada County prosecutor says prior to Bundy's arrest on Monday, he was seen shouting at the Ada County Sheriff's Office to arrest Judge David Manweiler for violating the law and his rights.
Though Bundy, in his arraignment today, said the prosecution had no proof he yelled to arrest the judge and that he reprimanded someone for saying it.
The prosecutor also said that 12-15 people from People's Rights showed up at Judge Manweiler's home. The group was believed to be led by Bundy, Schmidt, and another.
Protesters were said to be there for about 90 minutes chanting obscenities, and apparently wrote “Tyrant,” “Mask-Hole,” and “Dismiss the Case” in chalk on the sidewalk and curb in front of his house.
Someone also reportedly rang Judge Manweiler's doorbell twice and requested the judge to come outside and answer questions.
Bundy pleaded his case to the judge, saying he can't defend himself in the position he is in. He says he is in a holding cell, hasn't been allowed to use the phone at all, has not been able to communicate with any of his legal team including counsel. He has litigated the case himself with assistance from his legal team, would not have access to his files if he was held.
Bundy certainly hasn't made it easy on local authorities. The jail has yet to post a mug shot of Bundy because he isn't cooperating with staff, according to the Ada County Sheriff's Office.
The judge decided to leave the bail set by the trial court at $10,000.
The judge also drafted a pre-trial release order. Bundy can't commit new crimes, he must attend all court appearances, he must notify the court of a change of address within 24 hours, he must comply with all court orders previously issued in the case (including wearing a court-approved face mask), and comply with the booking process.
His jury trial is now set for May 10th at 8:15 a.m.
