Far-right streamer charged in Capitol riot avoids house arrest, judge calls conduct ‘concerning’

A far-right streamer charged in the Capitol riot was able to avoid house arrest during a court hearing Friday, while the judge called his conduct “concerning.”

Tim Gionet, known as “Baked Alaska,” will be allowed to continue posting videos on social media, but was ordered additional release conditions by U.S. Magistrate Judge G. Michael Harvey due to multiple interactions Gionet has had with police recently, AZ Central reported.

The activist interacted with police three times over six days, calling them twice on his friend while live streaming videos.

Two videos were posted on YouTube showing Gionet with friends when he accused one of assaulting him. The police were called but Gionet decided not to press charges, according to the outlet.

Another video showed Gionet with the same friend who tells him “this is going to get ugly” if Gionet didn’t stop filming. The police were called again.

Additional release conditions stemming from the incidents include prohibiting Gionet from having any weapons and reporting any time he interacts with police.

Prosecutors wanted him confined to his home and unable to post on social media as they believed he violated the conditions of his release. Gionet’s lawyer said the calls for stricter conditions were “asinine.”

Harvey said the conditions of release weren’t broken but did say the conduct was “concerning,” AZ Central reported.

“You knew what you were doing, putting the camera in his face,” Harvey said. “That’s dangerous conduct.”

Gionet is one of the hundreds of people who are standing trial for breaking into the Capitol on Jan. 6. His lawyer is arguing he went in as a journalist although there is video of Gionet cursing at police and allegedly encouraging people not to leave.