WASHINGTON — A Beverly Hills cosmetologist stormed U.S. Capitol Jan. 6, 2021 in support of “Trumpy Bear.” She recently stated to her supporters that she pleaded guilty only “to stay out jail”, that she hadn’t read the plea agreement she signed and that she doesn’t believe Capitol defendants will be locked up for long because former President Donald Trump “coming back.”
Gina Bisignano, a Trump Supporter, wore a Louis Vuitton sweater while she used a bullhorn as a call for “strong and angry patriots” to fight the police at the Capitol. Bisignano proclaimed, “We the people will not take it anymore!” We are not going take away our Trumpy Bear! We are not going take away your votes!”
Bisignano confessed to having videoed herself storming Congress and telling others she would “break into Congress.” She then encouraged other rioters “break the window” and urged them to invade the Capitol through that broken window. Bisignano could be given credit for her cooperation and demonstrating that she accepted responsibility under the plea agreement.
Bisignano was not conciliatory in a recorded voice chat she had recently with Jan. 6 defendant supporters, which was obtained by NBC News. Bisignano confirmed that she is the one who recorded it.
This is the latest sign that Trump’s comments are impacting the Jan. 6 prosecutions of the defendants. Rioters wonder if Trump could return to power and spare them from the legal consequences for what they did. Trump stated that if Trump returns to the White House, he would consider pardoning any riot participants.
Bisignano stated that she was not sure why she did the things she did but that she felt the pro-Trump mob was motivated by “very righteous anger.” Bisignano also claimed that Trump supporters were “attacked” by police officers at the U.S. Capitol. After the mob broke through barricades, she claimed that police actions “riled everyone up.” She also suggested that her apology to the judge for her guilty plea was not entirely sincere.
After her guilty plea, Bisignano said to supporters, “Your Honor, I said, ‘Your honor, I’m sorry for entering the Capitol.'” “I said, ‘Your honour, I’m sorry.’ He responds, “Your honor, I apologize.” I said, “Thank you.” I replied, “You’re very welcome.” But I didn’t say what I’m sorry for. I am sorry that I was in a federal building, and got into trouble. But, I believe what I believe and everyone knows that.”
Bisignano called Judge Carl Nichols a “nice judge” and expressed hope that he would appreciate her cooperation. She encouraged Jan. 6 defendant to not take a plea agreement and expressed regrets about her own plea.
Don’t do it if it’s not necessary or possible. I would rather not. She said, “Just wait it out. Wait it out.” “I wish I could be stronger because I was so weak at the time I signed it.”
Bisignano stated that he would sign a plea agreement if he could.
Bisignano, however, said she didn’t regret her plea when NBC News asked her about her statements.
Bisignano stated in an interview that he didn’t regret the plea deal. “I believe people should accept plea agreements… Own up to what happened, and move on.”
This is a far different statement than what she made in the call with supporters.
She told Trump supporters that she was forced to sign a plea deal due to her fear for her life. She said that she signed the agreement to keep out of jail and she had spoken to her lawyer. She said that she paid $80,000.
She said, “They try to force you into a plea bargain.” “I cannot spend any more money on an lawyer, I can’t go to prison again.”
Bisignano stated in interview that prosecutors had raised concerns over her comments about regretting her plea agreement. Bisignano’s lawyer didn’t respond to a request for comment. Bisignano’s lawyer, the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Columbia is responding to a message requesting comment. He said that the office doesn’t comment on pending cases.
Bisignano said to NBC News that she did not regret the plea agreement because she wanted help in the investigation and to move on with her own life.
Bisignano stated, “I want help, because it’s my goal to get out from this mess.” “What will I do? Be like the rest of them and fight for something we can’t win?”
Bisignano pleaded guilty in six counts including obstruction of an official proceeding, and civil disorder. According to court documents, which were released in December, her sentencing range was 41 to 51 months in federal jail. However, the plea agreement allows one party to request a variance and ask for a sentence that is outside this range.
Bisignano was also required to cooperate in the plea deal. Bisignano was called to testify before the grand jury regarding Danny Rodriguez, another rioter hailing from California who assaulted a D.C. Metro officer with a stungun.
Bisignano insisted that she would not turn against her favorite president during the voice chat with Jan. 6 defendants supporters.
She said, “I’m not squealing upon anybody, I don’t blame the president.” It wasn’t the president’s fault at any point.
video shows Bisignano was part of the first group to break into the tunnel on the Capitol’s west side, where many of the most violent battles took places. Although she was a member of the mob that overran police lines, she maintained that it was officers who were wrong first.
“The cops attacked our house. She said that she was the first to be in the tunnel. She claimed that judges and prosecutors didn’t care about the fact that a bear had maced her face or that a cop beat her with a club. Their point is that we weren’t supposed be there.”
In connection with the attack on the Capitol Jan. 6, the FBI has already arrested over 725 people and hundreds of more are being made. More than 2,500 could be charged with unlawfully entering or attacking the Capitol.
The phone call with supporters took place on the same day that Trump suggested he might pardon Jan.6 defendants if necessary. Bisignano told another defendant in a phone conversation with supporters that they could not lock him away forever. She said, “Trump’s returning.”
Bisignano said to NBC News she hopes Trump returns, but doesn’t hold out hope for a pardon. She said, “I’m certainly not betting on it.”
Bisignano’s plea agreement left open the question as to whether she still believes in conspiracy theories regarding the election.
It stated that BISIGNANO at the time believed the 2020 Presidential election results had been stolen or fraudulent. “BISIGNANO acknowledges that she believes that the Electoral College results are fraudulent, but that it is not legal justification to unlawfully enter the Capitol building and attempt to influence, stop or delay the Congressional proceeding.”
Bisignano’s call to Jan. 6 supporters left no doubt about where she stands.
Bisignano stated, “I still know that the election was stolen. There’s no doubt.” “No doubt.”
