Thanks to CNN and NBC News, John Sullivan reportedly added $70,000 to his bank account after the riots at Capitol Hill on January 6. According to multiple reports, both news networks are being accused of paying $35,000 for Sullivan's footage of the riots. Meanwhile, Sullivan faces charges of obstruction of Congress and interfering with police for his suspected involvement in the riots.
Both payments were entered into public record during a hearing regarding the Utah resident. Prosecutors pushed to have Sullivan banned from Twitter and Facebook while his case unfolds.
“Under the guise of journalism, he is engaged in and incited violent activity, including the kind of destructive society we saw on 6 January," United States Attorney Candice Wong noted.
Ultimately, Judge Robin Meriweather ruled against Wong. Instead, Meriweather allowed Sullivan to continue using social media and that he be taken off of 24-hour GPS location monitoring.
“I am rejecting the broader prohibition on Twitter and Facebook and encrypted social media platforms,” Meriweather stated.
While Sullivan is allowed to move about freely and use social media, he has been barred from working with Insurgence USA, an independent media entity that opposes both the Black Lives Mater movement and the Proud Boys.
"Insurgence USA's mission is to provide you the truth. We are on the frontlines, giving you unedited raw footage, photos, and news of the insurrection here in America. Revealing the truth about Antifa and BLM's communist plans to overthrow democracy. Exposing the sinister motives of Proud Boys and Right-Wing militias as they plot to topple the government," the outlet's website states.
Sullivan is a self-described supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement and an opponent of former President Donald Trump. However, Black Lives Matter activists in Utah have moved to distance themselves from Utah. According to Politico, members of the movement say that Sullivan also works with his brother, who spoke at a Proud Boys event.
While legal professionals work through his case, Sullivan will remain in home detention.
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