Joe.My.God. LGBT News
Click Orlando reports:
An Orlando actor arrested and charged in connection with the attack on the U.S. Capitol has been acquitted of all charges after representing himself in court Wednesday.
James Beeks, also known as James Justis, was arrested on Nov. 24, 2021, at a theater in Minneapolis, where he was starring as Judas in the national touring company of “Jesus Christ Superstar.”
Prosecutors claimed Beeks was a member of the extreme right group The Oath Keepers, and he joined other members of the group at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Beeks waived his right to a jury trial, opting instead to represent himself and be tried by Judge Amit Mehta.
From my November 2021 report:
At a contentious hearing held Monday, James Beeks — a Michael Jackson impersonator who starred as Judas in a traveling “Jesus Christ Superstar” company until his arrest last week — narrowly escaped being jailed after a tense exchange with Chief Judge Beryl Howell.
“I am an American standing under public law and I am here by special divine appearance,” Beeks told Howell.
“I cannot represent myself because I am myself,” he said. “I reserve all rights at all times and waive none, ever.” Howell snapped back at Beeks, declaring his statements unintelligible. “That’s all gobbledygook. I have no idea what you’re saying,” the judge said.
Oath Keeper James Beeks (circled in my footage below) has been ACQUITTED ON ALL COUNTS for his alleged role in January 6 following a stipulated bench trial.
Judge Amit P. Mehta reportedly found the feds failed to prove he was aware of any conspiracy.https://t.co/YlBYqeSRJm pic.twitter.com/IEMTlnjzCx
— Ford Fischer (@FordFischer) July 12, 2023
ARRESTED: Alleged Oath Keeper affiliate James Beeks (FL) was arrested today + charged as part of the Oath Keeper “stack” that investigators say was organized to enter the Capitol during the Jan 6 riot.
Docs say he approached the group, said he was an Oath Keeper,+ asked to join. pic.twitter.com/VJPrSDkcQH
— Rob Legare (@RobLegare) November 24, 2021