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Derrick Evans (politician)

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Derrick Evans
Member of the West Virginia House of Delegates
from the 19th district
In office
December 1, 2020 – January 9, 2021
Preceded byRobert Thompson
Kenneth Hicks
Succeeded byJoshua Booth
Personal details
Born
Jonathan Derrick Evans

(1985-04-02) April 2, 1985 (age 39)
Prichard, West Virginia, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic (before 2016)
Libertarian (2016–2020)
Republican (2020–present)
SpouseMelissa Evans
Children4
EducationMarshall University
West Liberty University (BA)

Jonathan Derrick Evans (born April 2, 1985[1]) is an American politician who served as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates for the 19th district from December 1, 2020, to January 9, 2021.

Evans participated in the January 6 attack against the U.S. Capitol. He was arrested two days after the attack, and resigned from the House of Delegates the next day. In 2022, he pleaded guilty to felony civil disorder and was sentenced to 90 days in prison.

Early life and education

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Evans is a native of Prichard, West Virginia. After attending Marshall University for one year, he earned a bachelor's degree from West Liberty University.[2]

Career

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Early career

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Evans worked as a high school teacher and football coach in Wayne County, coaching football at Tolsia High School from 2013 to 2017.[3] In January 2017, he was hired to be an assistant quarterback coach for the Virginia Tech Hokies football team.[4]

Anti-abortion activities

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Before pursuing elected office, Evans was known as a confrontational local anti-abortion protester who, over the course of 2018 and 2019, harassed patients, staff, and volunteer escorts at the only clinic in West Virginia that performed abortions.[5] Evans would livestream himself confronting people outside the clinic to tens of thousands of viewers.[5] In addition to shouting abuse, Evans would livestream himself repeating clinic workers' names over and over and screaming their personal details.[5] His activities prompted the clinic to put up a 10-foot high fence and alert police.[5] Evans' harassment led a woman to file for and receive a restraining order over "many threats to my safety online and relentless harassment in person"; Evans subsequently violated the order.[6]

Evans also frequently appeared at the West Virginia State Capitol, where he took photographs and videos of state legislators. Democratic State Delegate Danielle Walker said that Evans referred to her as "satanic" and equated her support for LGBTQ rights to defending pedophilia.[5]

Politics

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In 2016, Evans ran to represent the 19th district in the West Virginia House of Delegates. Initially Evans ran as a Democrat, but finished sixth in the primary. In the general election, Evans refiled to be on the ballot as a Libertarian; he was unable to win one of the district's two seats. In 2020, Evans ran once again as a Republican advancing through the primary and winning a seat in the general election.[7]

Evans was embroiled in controversy during his 2020 campaign stemming from his membership in a Facebook group chat in which homophobic and Islamophobic language was used. Fellow Delegate John Mandt, an alleged participant in the group chat, claimed that the messages attributed to him were fabricated but nonetheless announced his resignation. Evans not only confirmed his own participation in the group chat, but said that he stood by his comments calling Nihad Awad a "terrorist."[8]

January 6 United
States Capitol attack
Timeline • Planning
Background
2020 presidential election
and other causes
Related groups and persons
Participants
Notable people
Organizations
Law enforcement response
Aftermath
Biden inauguration
Investigations and charges
Corporate actions
Reactions
Impeachment and 2024 presidential election

On December 25, 2023, Evans posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, a photo of a Christmas tree with ornaments of figures such as Joseph Biden, Kamala Harris, and Anthony Fauci with nooses on the figure's necks, along with a figure of Donald Trump who did not possess one. The post was deleted by Evans later after backlash from other commentators, with Evans stating that it was "[n]ot in good taste" and that it was not his tree or ornaments.[9][10]

After announcing plans for a run in January 2023,[11] Evans challenged incumbent Congresswoman Carol Miller in the 2024 Republican primary. He used his involvement in the January 6 Capitol attack as a campaign selling point, but ultimately lost the primary to Miller.[12] In November 2024, Evans announced his campaign for United States Senate, challenging incumbent Senator Shelley Moore Capito in the 2026 primary.[13]

Participation in the 2021 Capitol riot

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Evans participated in the protest at the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021. Social media posts by Evans depict him traveling to Washington, D.C., with a busload of fellow Donald Trump supporters.[14][15]

The Associated Press notes that in a video of Evans as he was attempting to breach the Capitol, he also could be heard chanting Trump's name repeatedly.[14] Evans subsequently denied involvement in any destruction of property that took place during the riot, claiming that he was "simply there as an independent member of the media to film history."[16]

Evans crossed the downed fence and entered the Capitol building, filming himself shouting "We're in, we're in. Derrick Evans is in the Capitol!" He continued, "We're in! Keep it moving, baby!" and, later, "Our house!" Inside the Capitol halls he said, "I don't know where we're going. I'm following the crowd."[17][18]

His actions were condemned by West Virginia's state House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, state House Minority Leader Doug Skaff, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, and Governor Jim Justice.[18][16]

Two days later, Evans was arrested[19] and charged with one count of "knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority" and one count of "violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol Grounds."[20][21][22]

Evans resigned on January 10, 2021, saying, "I take full responsibility for my actions."[23][24][25]

He pleaded not guilty to four misdemeanor charges in May 2021.[26] In July 2021, a grand jury returned a five-count indictment against Evans, including the four previously charged misdemeanors and a new felony charge, obstructing an official proceeding and aiding or abetting.[26] Negotiation of a possible plea agreement was ongoing in August 2021.[27] On February 3, 2022, the day before Evans was supposed to appear in court for a hearing, Evans struck a plea agreement and lawyers asked the court for a hearing later in the month without releasing the terms of the plea agreement.[28][29]

On March 18, 2022, Evans pleaded guilty to a felony charge of civil disorder stemming from the Capitol riot.[30] Evans was sentenced to three months in prison on June 22, 2022.[15] He reported to federal prison on July 25, 2022.[31] He was held at the Federal Correctional Institution, Milan in Milan, Michigan through October 23, 2022.[11]

In 2023, Evans renounced his admissions of guilt for his actions on January 6, claiming to be a victim of political persecution and labeling himself as a "J6 Patriot" shortly after announcing his candidacy for a United States House of Representatives seat.[32] Evans also made an appearance at CPAC 2023. Alongside fellow rioters Brandon Straka and Simone Gold, he was a speaker at a session titled "True Stories of January 6: The Prosecuted Speak."[33]

Personal life

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Evans and his wife Melissa have three children and live in Wayne County, West Virginia.[2]

Electoral history

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2016 West Virginia House of Delegates Democratic primary election, 19th district[34]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Robert Thompson 2,603 23.32
Democratic Kenneth Hicks (incumbent) 2,191 19.63
Democratic Ric Griffith 1,992 17.84
Democratic Matt McComas 1,316 11.79
Democratic Gary Michels 1,151 10.31
Democratic Derrick Evans 1,148 10.28
Democratic Matt Stroud 763 6.83
Total votes 11,164 100.00
2016 West Virginia House of Delegates election, 19th district[35]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Robert Thompson 6,152 28.87
Democratic Kenneth Hicks (incumbent) 4,998 23.45
Republican Mark Ross 4,787 22.46
Republican John D. Creamer 3,493 16.39
Libertarian Derrick Evans 1,881 8.83
Total votes 21,311 100.00
2020 West Virginia House of Delegates Republican primary election, 19th district[36]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Derrick Evans 2,189 50.21
Republican Jason Stephens 1,090 25.00
Republican E. Jay Marcum 1,081 24.79
Total votes 4,360 100.00
2020 West Virginia House of Delegates election, 19th district[37]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Derrick Evans 8,227 37.30
Democratic Ric Griffith 5,520 25.03
Republican Jason Stephens 4,192 19.01
Democratic David Thompson 4,115 18.66
Total votes 22,054 100.00
2024 United States House of Representatives Republican primary election, WV-01[38]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Carol Miller (incumbent) 65,357 62.95
Republican Derrick Evans 38,473 37.05
Total votes 103,830 100.00

References

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  1. ^ Hessler, Courtney (January 8, 2021). "US District court for the District of Columbia federal complaint". The Herald-Dispatch. Archived from the original on January 8, 2021. Retrieved January 9, 2021.
  2. ^ a b "W.Va. House 19 candidate: Derrick Evans (R)". The Herald-Dispatch. October 2, 2020. Archived from the original on January 7, 2021. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
  3. ^ Pierson, Lacie (January 7, 2021). "Calls for ouster of Wayne delegate who stormed US Capitol grow". Charleston Gazette-Mail. Archived from the original on January 8, 2021. Retrieved January 9, 2021.
  4. ^ "Hokies hire new Offensive Assistant Coach – Derrick Evans". The Key Play. January 29, 2017. Archived from the original on October 6, 2017. Retrieved January 9, 2021.
  5. ^ a b c d e Schmidt, Samantha; Kitchener, Caroline (January 16, 2021). "Before he stormed the Capitol, ex-W.Va. lawmaker harassed women at an abortion clinic". The Washington Post.
  6. ^ Carballo, Rebecca (June 4, 2019). "Document: Anti-abortion protester violates restraining order from Charleston clinic worker". Charleston Gazette-Mail. Archived from the original on January 9, 2021. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
  7. ^ Mattise, Jonathan (January 9, 2021). "State lawmaker charged with entering Capitol in riot resigns". AP News. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  8. ^ Stuck, Taylor; Pierson, Lacie (October 3, 2020). "Mandt resigns, says homophobic social media messages were fabricated". Charleston Gazette-Mail. Archived from the original on November 1, 2020. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
  9. ^ Lewis, Kaitlin (December 25, 2023). "GOP Hopeful Blasted for Post Showing Tree Ornaments of Democrats in Nooses". Newsweek. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  10. ^ Leeman, Zachary (December 26, 2023). "2024 GOP Hopeful Faces Backlash After Sharing Christmas Photo Showing Ornaments of Democrats in Nooses". The Messenger. Archived from the original on December 26, 2023. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
  11. ^ a b Brautigan, Bailey (January 6, 2023). "Ex-West Virginia delegate convicted in Jan. 6 riot announces official bid for Congress". WOWK-TV. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  12. ^ Reilly, Ryan J. (May 14, 2024). "Jan. 6 felony rioter Derrick Evans loses GOP House primary in West Virginia". NBC News. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  13. ^ Baker, Amber (November 17, 2024). "Former West Virginia Delegate, convicted Jan. 6 rioter, Derrick Evans announces 2026 Senate run, targets Capito as 'RINO'". WTRF.com. Nexstar Media Inc. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  14. ^ a b Dil, Cuneyt (January 7, 2021). "West Virginia delegate records himself storming U.S. Capitol". AP News. Associated Press. Archived from the original on January 7, 2021. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
  15. ^ a b Reilly, Ryan J. (June 22, 2022). "'Derrick Evans is in the Capitol!' he yelled. Derrick Evans has now been sentenced for storming the Capitol". NBC News. Retrieved June 23, 2022.
  16. ^ a b Stowers, Shannon; Urbanski, Rachel (January 6, 2021). "W.Va. delegate issues statement after protest videos; state leaders react". WCHS-TV. Archived from the original on January 7, 2021. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
  17. ^ Kim, Soo (January 8, 2021). "Every Republican State Legislator Spotted At Rally Before Capitol Riot". Newsweek.
  18. ^ a b McElhinny, Brad (January 6, 2021). "W.Va. delegate, just sworn in, was among the mob storming U.S. Capitol". West Virginia MetroNews. Archived from the original on January 7, 2021. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
  19. ^ Brodkin, Jon (January 8, 2021). "FBI arrests Republican lawmaker who stormed Capitol with pro-Trump mob". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on January 8, 2021. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
  20. ^ "Three Men Charged in Connection with Events at U.S. Capitol" (Press release). United States Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia. January 9, 2021.
  21. ^ McElhinny, Brad (January 8, 2021). "New W.Va. delegate who yelled 'We're in! We're in! Derrick Evans is in the Capitol!' now faces a federal charge reflecting that". West Virginia MetroNews. Archived from the original on January 8, 2021. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
  22. ^ Mangan, Dan (January 8, 2021). "West Virginia state representative Derrick Evans charged with illegally entering U.S. Capitol during riot". CNBC. Archived from the original on January 8, 2021. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
  23. ^ McElhinny, Brad (January 9, 2021). "Derrick Evans resigns W.Va. House after entering U.S. Capitol with mob". West Virginia MetroNews. Archived from the original on January 9, 2021. Retrieved January 9, 2021.
  24. ^ "West Virginia lawmaker Derrick Evans charged with entering Capitol in riot resigns". Fox News. Associated Press. January 10, 2011.
  25. ^ Astor, Maggie (January 9, 2021). "Derrick Evans, a West Virginia legislator who stormed the Capitol, has resigned". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on January 9, 2021. Retrieved January 9, 2021.
  26. ^ a b "Ex-state lawmaker in Capitol amid riot adds felony charge". Associated Press. July 4, 2021. Retrieved July 5, 2021.
  27. ^ McElhinny, Brad (August 9, 2021). "Plea talks are 'productive' for Derrick Evans in Jan. 6 case as lawyers ask for more time". West Virginia MetroNews. Retrieved August 21, 2021.
  28. ^ Reilly, Ryan J. (February 3, 2022). "Ex-West Virginia legislator who stormed Capitol strikes plea deal". NBC News. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  29. ^ "Consent Motion to Continue and Exclude Time Under the Speedy Trial Act" (PDF). courtlistener.com. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  30. ^ Hessler, Courtney (March 18, 2022). "Ex-W.Va. delegate admits role in Capitol riot". The Herald-Dispatch. Archived from the original on March 21, 2022. Retrieved March 21, 2022.
  31. ^ "Jailed January 6th Protestor Derrick Evans Inks Major Book Deal". Defiance Press & Publishing. August 2, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  32. ^ Richer, Alanna Durkin; Kunzelman, Michael (February 3, 2023). "Sorry, not sorry: Some 1/6 rioters change tune after apology". AP News. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
  33. ^ Siders, David; McGraw, Meridith (March 6, 2023). "Once an albatross around Trump's neck, Jan. 6 is now taboo in the GOP primary". Politico. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  34. ^ "Statewide Results Primary Election - May 10,2016 ★★★ Official Results ★★★". West Virginia Secretary of State. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  35. ^ "Statewide Results General Election - November 8, 2016 ★★★ Official Results ★★★". West Virginia Secretary of State. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  36. ^ "HOUSE OF DELEGATES, 19TH DISTRICT - REP". West Virginia State June 9, 2020 Primary Election. scytl.us. October 14, 2020. Retrieved February 4, 2023.
  37. ^ "HOUSE OF DELEGATES, 19TH DISTRICT". West Virginia State November 3, 2020. scytl.us. November 30, 2020. Retrieved February 4, 2023.
  38. ^ "U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 1st Congressional District - REP". West Virginia Department of State. August 26, 2024. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
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