Judge grants Capitol riot defendant’s request to make Mother’s Day call

A federal judge on Friday said he would allow one of defendants in a Capitol riot case a call his mother on Mother’s Day.

Eric Munchel, who was seen in viral images during the riot wielding zip ties in one of the congressional chambers, had been ordered to avoid contact with his mom, Lisa Eisenhart, since she is a codefendant in his case.

Both are facing various charges stemming from the Jan. 6 riot, including obstruction of an official proceeding, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Judge Royce Lamberth on Friday approved Munchel’s motion to make the Mother’s Day call.

Munchel’s attorneys made the request on Thursday, saying the two had not communicated since Jan. 10. 

“Pursuant to the spirit of the Court’s release order, Mr. Munchel agrees to refrain from discussing any aspect of the case during a Mother’s Day call with his mother,” the motion reads.

The two codefendants are being held in home confinement while they await trial.