Capitol-Landing Pilot Was Just Doing His Job, Attorney Says

When Douglas Hughes landed a gyrocopter on the U.S. Capitol lawn Wednesday, he didn’t break any laws. He was just doing his job.

That’s the contention of Paul Carr, an attorney for Hughes’ wife, Alena. After all, Hughes is a mailman and delivering correspondence was the purpose of his flight.

“Technically speaking, he’s an authorized postman delivering the mail,” Carr was quoted by The Tampa Tribune as saying. Carr also contends there was no criminal intent. “Democracy does not work, it’s complete gridlock with lobbyists and money running through the country.”

Hughes’ Tax Day special delivery resulted in a temporary lockdown of the Capitol Visitor Center and the Florida man’s arrest.

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Hughes has been on a crusade to draw attention to the need for America to reform its campaign finance rules for some time. His website, thedemocracyclub.org, detailed his plans to personally deliver letters to all members of Congress to raise awareness about campaign finance corruption. Those letters were in Hughes’ possession at the time of his landing.

Carr, who only represents Hughes’ wife at this time, says the pilot should be immune from prosecution because he was intending to deliver those letters, the Tribune reported.

The federal government, however, just doesn’t seem to agree.

Hughes has been charged with operating an unregistered aircraft and violating the restricted airspace that exists over the Capitol, according to NBC. He’s been released from custody, but has been placed on home arrest.

The next court appearance for Hughes is set for May 8. Should he be convicted of the crimes, he could face up to three years in prison for the unregistered aircraft and a year for violating the no-fly zone, NBC reported.

On his website, Hughes announced plans for the flight long ago and made it clear his intentions were peaceful.

“Let me say first – this is a non-violent demonstration,” Hughes wrote on his website long before Wednesday’s flight. “I have no intention of hurting anyone – I have taken every precaution to prevent any injury to anyone, including me.“

What do you think should happen here? Should Hughes face prison time or was he just a mailman on a mission? Tell us what you think by commenting below!

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