'Justice for J6ers'

COEUR d’ALENE — On the third anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, protest at the Capitol, about 30 people rallied in downtown Coeur d’Alene and called for the release of those still in custody for their role in the event.

In 35-degree conditions and with snow falling, the group carried signs and flags as they marched on Sherman Avenue.

“I feel it’s important for people to realize we don’t have a fair justice system here in America,” said Kyle Storm.

He said the justice system favors those with power and money, but keeps the peaceful protesters of Jan. 6 in jail, some even in solitary confinement, without trial dates. 

“It’s cruel and unjust and we need to raise awareness about it,” Storm said.

A few passing drivers honked horns in support of the crowd of men, women and children who walked from Lyfe Public House on Lakeside Avenue to Ninth and Sherman before turning back.

Some carried signs that read, “Free J-6 Patriots,” “Truth over Tyranny,” “Wake Up People We live in a 3rd World Country,” and “You are not forgotten.”

The rally was billed as as “Justice for J6ers.” A flier said, “We the People demand the release of all J6 political prisoners and punishment for the real criminals.”

According to The Associated Press, more than 700 defendants have pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the Jan. 6 attack, while over 150 others have opted for a trial decided by a judge or jury in Washington, D.C. 

Barbie Poling wore a hooded comforter decorated as an American flag as she joined Saturday's rally.

“I just think the people that were arrested Jan. 6 did not do anything violent,” the Coeur d’Alene woman said.

Recordings show some were invited in and walked around the Capitol and didn't do anything, she said.

Poling said that many have been held for three years, which is wrong. 

“That’s not equal justice,” she said.

Her daughter, Lizzy Poling, said she believes the people at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, were there to support their country.

“They didn’t do anything wrong,” she said. “It’s a drastic measure to be arrested for walking on public property and held in jail for three years with no trial.”

Aimee Fahnstrom said it’s important to fight for political freedom.

“Nobody is standing up for these political prisoners,” she said. 

Fahnstrom said Coeur d’Alene is an amazing community that rallies to the cause of those who have been wronged. 

She hopes the community comes to the aid of the Jan. 6 defendants. Fahnstrom said they are being falsely detained and should be released until their trial.

“It’s been long enough,” she said. 

Shiree Nishimori carried a sign that read, “Truth over lies.”

She also said she believes the Jan. 6 defendants are being unlawfully kept in custody. 

Nishimori said that’s why she came out for Saturday’s rally.

“It’s important to be a voice for those that don’t have a voice,” she said.

Drew Cummings attended the march and provided a written statement to The Press.

"I believe anything illegal that happened January 6th was wrong, but I also believe that incarcerating people for over three years on trespassing charges and political reasons is also disgraceful and I desire to make people aware of the two tiers of justice we now have in this country."

    People rally on Saturday in downtown Coeur d'Alene on the third anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021 event at the Capitol.
  

    People who participated in a "Justice for J6ers" rally in Coeur d'Alene cross Sherman Avenue on Saturday.
  

    People who joined the "Justice for J6ers" rally walk on Sherman Avenue on Saturday.
  

    Kyle Storm, left, and Drew Cummings lead a "Justice for J6ers" rally in Coeur d'Alene on Saturday.