Freedom Corner, located between the D.C. jail and Congressional Cemetery in Southeast Washington, D.C., serves as a powerful symbol of the potential future of the Republican Party. Each night, incarcerated Donald Trump supporters who attacked the U.S. Capitol sing the national anthem from inside the jail, while a group of activists at Freedom Corner join them in song. Recently, Jeffrey Sabol, an inmate who pled guilty to assaulting police during the riot, led the singing through a phone call from jail.
Despite facing opposition from neighbors and regular antagonists, the activists at Freedom Corner have committed to their vigil and livestream the experience every night. United by false beliefs regarding the 2020 election and the events of January 6, 2021, they show no signs of disappearing. It’s become a martyrdom narrative for elected Republicans.
Micki Witthoeft, the mother of Ashli Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran who was shot and killed by a Capitol Police officer during the siege of the Capitol, leads the group at Freedom Corner. They wear T-shirts featuring Babbitt’s image with the slogan “murdered” and have gained support from Trump himself. He has collaborated with the prisoners on a song, helped them fundraise, and even called in to their vigil.
When Republicans took control of the House of Representatives, Witthoeft received recognition from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene during the first meeting of the House Oversight Committee. Greene claimed that Babbitt was murdered and likened her death to another incident involving police brutality. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy initially supported the police officer’s actions but faced criticism from Trump himself.
Witthoeft has met with multiple House Republicans, some of whom are supportive while others are not. Rep. Barry Loudermilk greeted her during a recent encounter and expressed gratitude for her efforts. Loudermilk has been leading a Republican counter-probe into the bipartisan special committee investigating the January 6 attack.
Despite allegations of mistreatment, investigations into the conditions faced by the January 6 inmates have yielded no significant results. Witthoeft and her fellow activists remain dedicated and received enough online donations to rent a house in Northeast D.C., which they refer to as the “Eagle’s Nest.” They have faced criticism for the name, but assert that it is not an ode to Hitler.
The vigil at Freedom Corner has caused inconvenience for neighbors, particularly those who frequent Congressional Cemetery. Complaints have been made about noise and offerings left on the cemetery’s wall. However, the activists continue their vigil without interruption.
The persistence of the activists at Freedom Corner and the continued support from prominent Republicans demonstrate the enduring influence of the events of January 6, 2021. As they engage in their nightly rituals, they strive to preserve their distorted version of history and challenge the legitimacy of the 2020 election.
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