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WASHINGTON, D. C.–Trial has been delayed for Morgantown resident George Tanios and his longtime friend Julian Khater, who are accused of collaborating to use pepperspray against U.S. Capitol police on Jan. 6, 2021.
That’s because lawyers for Khater want to focus on continued talks about a plea agreement. Tanios’s lawyers have not objected to a delay, but the Morgantown man might have a different mindset.
U.S. District Judge Thomas Hogan, during a status hearing asked Tanios if he understands the delay.
“Yes sir,” Tanios responded, “and I look forward to my day in court.”
Judge Hogan said he has concerns about delaying the trial, but agreed to move it from the original June start date to Oct. 5 instead.
Khater’s lawyers submitted a motion March 28 to hold off on preparations for a June 6 trial. Khater’s lawyers indicated the motion was made with the consent of the other attorneys in the case, including federal prosecutors.
Tanios is accused of passing the pepperspray to Khater, who aimed it at police officers including Brian Sicknick, who later died. A medical examiner concluded that Sicknick died of natural causes after suffering two strokes.
Tanios and Khater are charged with nine counts including assaulting three officers with a deadly weapon. The charges are punishable by up to 20 years in prison.