Judge forbids Mercer County 'Pink Hat Lady' from attending D.C. jail vigil

The Mercer County woman convicted for her part in the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol has been granted permission to leave her court-imposed house arrest.  However, that permission only allows Rachel Powell to travel to Washington D.C. for her sentencing hearing and does not include permission for her to attend a vigil held nightly outside the local jail where several suspects in the case remain held.

U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth last week issued an order permitting the mother of eight to travel from Pennsylvania to his courtroom on Tuesday, October 17, when she is scheduled to be sentenced on charges of civil disorder, obstruction, destruction of U.S. property, entering a restricted building or property with a dangerous weapon, and disorderly conduct.

The travel order specifically states that Powell “may not come near the District of Columbia Jail for the purpose of attending any demonstration, vigil, or other gathering.”

The D.C. jail has been the scene of a nightly vigil held by supporters of inmates who have been dubbed “J6rs” in reference to their arrest for alleged participation in the January 6^th capitol incursion.

Last month, the vigil was attended by Congressman Matt Gaetz who recently gained notoriety for his role in ousting House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

A review of Powell’s recent posts on the social media platform formerly known as Twitter does not give any indication that she intended to attend the vigil.

One post noting her October 17^th sentencing makes a plea for help from the Patriot Freedom Project, an organization which, according to its website, supports January 6 defendants, claiming they are political prisoners treated more harshly because of their political affiliation.

Powell was dubbed the "pink hat lady" or "bullhorn lady" in the days following the riot after a video surfaced showing her wearing a pink knit cap and carrying a bullhorn.

Prosecutors say Powell used an ice axe to break through a window on January 6, and used a large cardboard tube as a battering ram to finish the job.

Once inside, investigators say Powell used a bullhorn to give instructions to other rioters.

Powell’s social media posts show that she hopes Judge Lamberth will sentence her to the house arrest time she has already served.