Dan Choi, who went back to federal court today facing six months in prison or a $5,000 fine for an obscure infraction of Parks and Wildlife federal regulations related to a November 2010 'DADT' protest at the White House, was found guilty and fined $100, the Washington Post reports:
But in court on Thursday, Choi’s erratic demeanor swung from emotional outbursts at the lectern to belligerent confrontations with a U.S. Park Police officer and the federal prosecutor. Dressed in a military uniform, Choi paced the courtroom, serving as his own lawyer.
“All I want at the end of this day is to return to the U.S. military,” Choi said through tears.
Choi, who is not trained as an attorney, alternated between whispered apologies for his teary breakdowns and loud rebukes of Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela George for failing to refer to him as a lieutenant.“Please remember where you are,” Magistrate Judge John M. Facciola cautioned after Choi used vulgar slang. “That may be appropriate in the barracks. It’s not appropriate here.”
Politic365 adds:
During the trial, Lt. Choi broke down and was carried out of the DC courtroom. He was transported to a nearby VA Hospital.
Choi was supported in court by the activists arrested with him in 2010, and by British activist Peter Tatchell. This morning Choi met his supporters at the front of the White House before heading over to his trial.
