Former police chief charged in Capitol riot requests to defend himself in order to expose 'corruption' of FBI investigation into attack

An ex-chief of the California Police Department requested representation as he faces criminal charges in connection to Jan. 6.
A US District Judge stated that he would allow Alan Hostetter the right to defend himself, but gave a warning.

Judge Royce Lamberth stated that those who represent themselves are "a fool for a customer."

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An ex-chief of the California police with alleged ties in a far right militia group asked to be represented on Thursday against felony charges stemming out of the January 6 Capitol Riot.

In June, Alan Hostetter (56), was indicted. He is a former chief of police in La Habra, California. Prosecutors claim that Hostetter was one of six Californians indicted for their involvement in the riot. They also allege that they have ties with the extremist group the Three Percenters.

This group is named after the legend that only 3 percent of colonists fought in the Revolutionary War.

Hostetter asked to defend himself in court on Thursday. He told US District Judge Royce Lamberth he wanted to expose the "corruption" of the investigation into the attack. This refers to the massive FBI probe, according to Reuters.

Lamberth responded to Hostetter's request, stating that anyone who represents themselves in court has "a fool for clients." After receiving an affidavit form the defendant, the judge agreed to allow Hostetter to represent himself.

Prosecutors claim that Hostetter had ties to the Three Percenters as well as his own far-right group, the American Phoenix Project. This group organized anti-COVID protests and supported former President Donald Trump's electoral fraud lies after the 2020 election.

Court documents show that the group was formed to advocate violence against government leaders.

Insider did not receive a response from an attorney for Hostetter immediately.

A Capitol riot defendant pleaded guilty to two felonies earlier this week while representing himself.

Nearly 700 people were charged in connection to the deadly Capitol attack. Nearly 100 of them have pleaded guilty.