In a courtroom decision that reverberated across the nation, Rebecca Lavrenz, the 71-year-old described as the “J6 Praying Grandma” from El Paso County, faced the judgment of the Biden Department of Justice, finding herself convicted on Thursday. Lavrenz, a great grandmother and proprietor of a bed and breakfast in Colorado, now grapples with the prospect of up to a year behind bars along with a substantial fine for her actions during the events of January 6 at the U.S. Capitol.
The trial, which saw nearly 26 hours of deliberation, culminated in Lavrenz being found guilty on four misdemeanor counts, as delineated by FBI officials. Among these charges were entering and remaining in a restricted building, disorderly and disruptive conduct both within a restricted building and the Capitol premises, and participating in a parade or demonstration within a restricted building.
Lavrenz, addressing the media, expressed her initial intent behind being present in Washington, D.C., on that fateful day. “I went there to pray,” Lavrenz stated in a conversation with Bannon, underscoring her profound faith and deep-seated concerns about the integrity of the 2020 election. Her motivation, she articulated, stemmed not only from a love for God but also a profound patriotism and familial devotion.
“I love God, my country, and my family, and I knew that something wasn’t right in that 2020 election,” Lavrenz emphasized, echoing sentiments of many individuals who participated in the events of January 6.
Reflecting on her journey into political activism, Lavrenz highlighted the tumultuous period of the COVID-19 pandemic, which catalyzed her concerns about the erosion of civil liberties. “Our country is going down with all the liberties that felt like they were stripped away from us in 2020,” she lamented. Lavrenz’s support for President Trump, whom she perceived as a bulwark against encroachments on freedom, impelled her to campaign vigorously for his reelection.
Her entrance into the Capitol, she contends, was solely for the purpose of offering prayers for the nation’s future. Lavrenz asserts that she spent a mere 10 minutes inside the building, maintaining that her actions were nonviolent and driven by a desire for spiritual intervention.
Prior to her conviction, Lavrenz maintained a public presence, updating supporters through a fundraiser on GiveSendGo, a Christian platform. Her resolve remained unyielding as she faced the legal proceedings, symbolizing her defiance against what she perceived as unjust persecution.
Former President Donald Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to vehemently condemn Lavrenz’s conviction, saying it is an act of unjust targeting by the Biden administration. Trump asserted that Lavrenz, dubbed the “J6 Praying Grandma,” had been unfairly treated by “Crooked Joe Biden’s DOJ.” He lambasted the administration for prioritizing the prosecution of individuals like Lavrenz and himself over more pressing issues such as tackling violent criminals, thugs, murderers, and illegal immigrants.
“Rebecca Lavrez, also known as the ‘J6 Praying Grandma,’ has been unfairly targeted by Crooked Joe Biden’s DOJ, and now faces up to 1 YEAR in prison for peacefully walking around the Capitol, and praying for our Failing Nation on January 6th!” railed Trump. “Rebecca is a 72-year-old Grandmother and Small Business Owner from Colorado, and now she is one of Joe Biden’s J6 HOSTAGES!!! Crooked Joe Biden spends more time prosecuting Patriots like Rebecca, AND ME, than Violent Criminals, Thugs, Murderers, and ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS who are destroying our Country. THIS IS WHAT WE ARE UP AGAINST. MAGA2024!”
The Biden administration has relentlessly pursued individuals like Lavrenz, who went to peaceful protest on Jan.6 at the Capitol — over 1,265 arrests have been made since January and the prospect of more citizens facing charges this year. #TRUMP2024
