My observation of the hearing in the courtroom today. - 1/25/24

Peter Navarro stood besides the defense table (to the left wall) the entire time while everyone sat. Judge Mehta seemed reasonable and rational, not like Judge Kelly who presided the Enrique Tarrio's sentencing hearing. Kelly was quite animated when talking and even when listening.

Hearing started at 10:03... on time when the judge Mehta came into the courtroom. He was all business. The proceeding started almost immediately. The judge barely said anything before he let lawyers talk.

On a side note: I saw Ashli Babbitt's mother there and I was sitting next to her. we exchanged hellos, that was it.

Government lawyer 1 (GL1) before the judge and spoke for 30 seconds.

Defense lawyer 1 (DL1) spoke 15 minutes --- 10:08 to 10:23

I moved further left to the left wall for better viewing and hoped to be able to read the judge'a lips. Not a success.

GL1 spoke 1 minute --- 10:24

DL1 13 minutes --- 10:25 to 10:38

GL1 1 sec "no further statement"

Judge spoke 20 minutes, ending @10:56

GL1 4 minutes ending @10:59

DL1 35 minutes ending @11:34

Peter Navarro spoke for 7 minutes - he was articulate with arm and hand movements. He was pointing at the gallery several times. He pointed towards his defense table as well. He was very steady on his feet. Composure was professional and appropriate. His statement ended @11:41.

Recess at 11:41 for 10 minutes. Judge returned at 11:58. I went out of the room checking my emails and texts. Also chatting with a couple of people I recognized from the Trump immunity oral arguments.

Judge spoke 30 minutes. He was glancing back to his right in the direction of Peter. Constant eye contact for a time. Statement ended at 12:32.

GL2 spoke 1 minute

Judge sentenced Peter Navarro to 4 months and $9,500 fine. I was not aware of the fine until later. I asked one person who was taking extensive notes what was happening when the judge left the room. She said, "it's over... 4 month sentence."

Many people flew out of the room... assuming they were going to the media room on the first floor. I milled around in the courtroom. Peter didn't appear distraught or anything like that. He knew the fate. Same charge as Steven Bannon so Peter was expecting 4 months. Government was proposing 6 months and $200k fine. Peter was chatting with his lawyers a bit. They then went to a lawyer lounge for a few minutes (filing the appeal?) before they left the courthouse at the same time I did.