‘Zip Tie Guy’ Eric Munchel & Mom May Be Eligible For Release After Capitol Riot Charges

On Friday, the federal appeals court ruled that Lisa Eisenhart and son Eric Munchel may be eligible for release without a trial after their charges connected to the January 6 Capitol riots.

The two family members face charges such as conspiracy to violate federal statues and disorderly conduct.

Munchel is believed by authorities to be the “zip tie guy” after a picture of him dressed in combat gear and holding a handful of ties surfaced on the internet.

The Washington D.C. appeals court stated that Eisenhart and Munchel “had a unique opportunity to obstruct democracy on January 6 because of the electoral college vote tally taking place that day, and the concurrently scheduled rallies and protests.”

However, Judge Robert Wilkins defended the majority, arguing that “because Munchel and Eisenhart did not vandalize any property or commit violence, the presence of the group was critical to their ability to obstruct the vote and to cause danger to the community.”

Wilkins also explained that Munchel and Eisenhart were not involved in coordinating the activities that took place during the riots and therefore, were not a threat by themselves.

Although Wilkins and Judge Judith Rogers did not follow through in releasing the mother and son, Judge Gregoy Katsas, appointed by former President Donald Trump, argued that the two should be released and the decision blocking their release should be reversed.

“During the chaos of the Capitol riot, Munchel and Eisenhart had ample opportunity to fight, yet neither did,” Katsas wrote.