To,

The Honorable Judge Regina S. Edwards

United States District Court

Western District Of Kentucky

Gene Snyder United States Courthouse

601 West Broadway

Room 200

Louisville, Ky 40202-2227

 

 

Dear Judge Regina S. Edwards,

We the people are writing this letter given recent charging complaint against John Fitzgerald Johnson. In the complaint Johnson was charged in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 111 assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees. We understand the seriousness of these charges which is why we are demanding a thorough investigation that we believe will exonerate Johnson. We have known Johnson for the past three years and he has taught us many spiritual classes that have helped us become better people and live more productive lives. He has also helped make our communities better uplifting people from all walks of life and has organized with local agencies and organizations to make all events peaceful and safe. Which is why I want to stress that Johnson would never assault, resist, or impede officers during an event that he coordinated with to effectively ensure the safety of all parties involved and the people of Louisville.

 

The evidence which has led to Johnson being named in the complaint is not sufficient to move forward with the indictment. Daniel Nally, Special Agent with the F.B.I. stated in the complaint that Johnson was in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 111 when he allegedly aimed/brandished an AR platform rifle at the officers on the rooftop of the Jefferson County Grand Jury building. In paragraph 12 of the charging complaint, Nally stated verbatim the purpose of their investigation and them being on the rooftop was to observe the armed individuals on Armory Place and try to determine their intentions. From his own words Nally did not know what Johnson’s intention was when he allegedly aimed/brandished an AR platform rifle at the rooftop on September 4th, 2020.

We would like to stress that this is a huge misunderstanding and charging Johnson in violation of U.S.C. § 111 would be a mischaracterization of justice. Weeks and up to a month prior to September 4th, 2020, Johnson coordinated on the phone and in person the plans to keep all parties involved and the people of Louisville safe. Another part of that coordination was so that the Louisville Metro Police Department would have knowledge of the whereabouts of Johnson and his militia during the event. It is a fact that Johnson was unaware of who was on the rooftop at 8:34pm on the September 4th. It is a fact that Johnson provided all whereabouts of him and his militia. While it is true that Major Gregory of The Louisville Metro Police department told Johnson that him and his team would be on rooftops during the event, Johnson did not have full details of every building or rooftop they would occupy during the event.

We would like to point out the fact that opposing groups such as The Proud Boys who are a known hate group as classified by The Southern Poverty Law Center has members who were recently charged by the F.B.I. on January 26th, 2021 in connection with the capitol riots that took place on January 6th, 2021 who were possibly present during the September 4th planned peaceful event. It is a known fact that during events such as these, opposing groups sometimes place armed members on rooftops that can be perceived as snipers to deter peaceful protesters from coming down a particular street or area. At 8:34pm in Louisville, KY there is no daylight, and it is not far fetched to understand that Johnson was simply doing everything he can to verify the safety of everyone.

We the people would like to highlight the fact that Johnson has planned four peaceful events prior to the one in question without any arrests of members of the NFAC. Johnson has always made sure he has had the proper permits and licenses to have his events and peacefully assemble within the confines of all local, state, and federal laws.

We request that this case be dismissed immediately with prejudice. Johnson is facing grave consequences if convicted of this crime and since being arrested Johnson’s livelihood and the way he earns money has been adversely affected. We the people can vouch for Johnson who has served this country and would never assault, resist, or impede officers and we know this is a huge misunderstanding and we request that you consider this letter before moving forward with the indictment.

 

Thank You.

Yours sincerely,

We The People