John Strand, convicted for his role in the January 6 Capitol protests, has been released from prison following a significant Supreme Court ruling. Strand, who was sentenced to 32 months primarily for obstructing an official proceeding, served a year in federal custody before his release on July 24.

The Supreme Court’s June 28 decision in Fischer v. United States redefined the application of U.S. Code 18 §1512(c)(2), which was used to convict Strand. The ruling stated that this statute applies only if defendants attempted to impair records or documents used in an official proceeding. This decision was crucial for Strand, whose trial judge had found no evidence of such actions on January 6.

Strand’s year in prison, described as “hell on earth,” included long periods in solitary confinement, which he likened to torture. “I was viciously abused in an isolation environment,” Strand said, comparing the experience to waterboarding.
Strand’s legal and personal journey began during the COVID-19 lockdowns, eventually leading him to the January 6 protest and his subsequent legal battles. His appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit is ongoing.

Throughout his imprisonment, Strand leaned heavily on his faith. “My relationship with God is the only reason I even started on this journey,” he stated. He expressed immense gratitude for the support he received from his family, friends, and legal team.

In Miami, Strand faced severe isolation, cut off from contact with his attorneys and family. He described the mental and physical strain of solitary confinement, emphasizing the rapid onset of psychological distress.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) highlighted Strand’s case, bringing attention to the conditions he endured in prison. Strand recalled how this attention led to further isolation and intense questioning.

Dr. Simone Gold, founder of America’s Frontline Doctors and a supporter of Strand, was shocked by his isolation. Despite numerous attempts by attorneys to communicate with him, Strand remained isolated from legal and personal contacts.

Strand plans to detail his prison experiences in a book titled “Patriot Plea,” aiming to expose the conditions he faced and the broader implications of his imprisonment.