Will This J6 Defendant Be Given ASYLUM?

A Capitol riot defendant flees to Canada, seeking political asylum to avoid a nine-month prison sentence.

At a Glance

  • Antony Vo, convicted for his role in the January 6 Capitol riot, has applied for political asylum in Canada
  • Vo failed to report for his nine-month prison sentence and is now living in Canada with his mother
  • He claims to be a victim of “purely political persecution” and hopes for a pardon from Donald Trump
  • The U.S. Marshals Service is responsible for apprehending Vo as a fugitive federal prisoner
  • Vo has applied for a job with Trump’s transition team while awaiting a potential pardon

Capitol Rioter Seeks Refuge in Canada

Antony Vo, a participant in the January 6 Capitol riot, has taken an unusual step to avoid his nine-month prison sentence. Instead of reporting to serve his time, Vo has fled to Canada and applied for political asylum, claiming he is a victim of political persecution in the United States. The Bloomington, Indiana native is reportedly living in Canada with his mother, Annie Vo, who also took part in the events at the Capitol.

The U.S. Marshals Service now faces the task of apprehending Vo as a fugitive federal prisoner. This case adds to the ongoing efforts of the Justice Department and FBI to pursue those involved in the Capitol riot. To date, over 1,265 defendants have been charged across nearly all U.S. states and the District of Columbia in connection with the events of January 6, 2021.

Vo’s Legal Troubles and Asylum Claims

In 2023, Vo was convicted of several offenses related to the Capitol riot, including entering a restricted building and disorderly conduct. His mother, Annie Vo, faces similar charges and has pleaded not guilty. Antony Vo’s asylum application in Canada claims he is a victim of “purely political persecution,” a stance that has led him to cancel a meeting with Canadian authorities over concerns of potential arrest and extradition to the U.S.

“The investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the attack continues to move forward at an unprecedented speed and scale,” Justice Department said.

Vo has described the Capitol riot as a “peaceful protest” and alleges it was part of a regime-change operation against then-President Trump. This narrative contradicts the official stance of the U.S. government, which views the events as a serious attack on democratic processes.

Hope for a Trump Pardon

Vo’s strategy appears to hinge on the possibility of a pardon from Donald Trump, should the former president return to office. Trump has pledged to pardon January 6 defendants, giving Vo hope for eventual exoneration. In an unusual move, Vo has even applied for a job with Trump’s transition team and a proposed Department of Government Efficiency, demonstrating his continued support for the former president.

While awaiting developments in his case, Vo claims that Canadians have been supportive and caring towards him during his stay. However, his future remains uncertain as he navigates the complexities of international asylum laws and the ongoing legal consequences of his actions on January 6, 2021.

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