Judge in Trump Case Says ‘Hostages’ Label for Jailed Jan. 6 Defendants Is Wrong

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan responded to label used by the former president.

(Left) U.S. District Judge Tonya Chutkan. (Right) Former President Donald Trump. (Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts via AP/Getty Images

The judge overseeing former President Donald Trump’s election interference case on April 10 said that describing defendants being held on charges related to the U.S. Capitol riot as hostages is wrong.

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, said that people involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol who remain jailed in Washington don’t deserve to be called hostages or heroes.