Bolting For Belarus

Apparently one of the January 6th seditious terrorists has fled US Justice and has successfully sought political asylum in Belarus.

Belarus granted refugee status to Capitol riot defendant Evan Neumann, according to Belarusian state-run media, which circulated a photo of him apparently holding country documents.

“US citizen Evan Newman received refugee status in Belarus. The document was handed to him in the Department of Citizenship and Migration of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Brest Regional Executive Committee on March 22, 2022,” the Belarusian Telegraph Agency reported on Twitter.

In an interview with the state-run outlet, he said he had “mixed feelings” but thanked Belarus, which “took care of me,” CNN reported.

"I am upset to find myself in a situation where I have problems in my own country," he told the Belarusian-state media on Tuesday, according to the network. Court records indicate he does not have a lawyer and has been considered a "fugitive."

U.S. officials said in December that Neumann had left for the country following 14 charges he received in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, riot. Officials allege he assaulted Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department officers with a metal barricade and that he did not adhere to orders to leave the Capitol that evening, staying past 5 p.m.

The charges against him include civil disorder; assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers; and engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds.

I mean I'm kind of surprised that more January 6th terrorists haven't skipped town yet, American law enforcement has been in the process of identifying and charging suspects for the better part of the last 12 months or so. Newman fled the country in December. Besides, they're white dudes, it's not like they're a top priority to bring in. He was still out of pocket some eleven months after his role in attacking the US Capitol, more than enough time to get away.

But to go to a country currently on Putin's side in the Ukraine invasion and to show up seeking asylum from the "awful Biden regime" is just perfect for the kind of people who would rather see America burn. I hope they stick a Kalashnikov in his hand and tell him to head to Kyiv so he can experience some real political combat.

Getting picked off by a Ukrainian sniper grandma is better than he deserves.