Antony Vo, an Indiana man who absconded to avoid a nine-month prison sentence for his involvement in the U.S. Capitol riot, was apprehended in Canada earlier this week, coinciding with the fourth anniversary of the January 6 attack. Vo was taken into custody "without incident" in Whistler, British Columbia, as confirmed by the Canada Border Services Agency spokesperson, Rebecca Purdy. He is currently detained pending legal proceedings.

Vo, who was sentenced in April by U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, had been ordered to report to prison on June 14, 2023. Instead, he defied this court order and went on the run. The sentencing followed Vo’s conviction on four misdemeanors related to the Capitol riot, during which he reportedly spent 27 minutes inside, taking photos and shouting slogans.

Despite his fugitive status, Vo has remained vocal on social media, frequently sharing conspiracy theories regarding January 6 and asserting that his case was mishandled. He publicly expressed confidence that he would receive a pardon once Donald Trump assumed office again. "I really don’t have any reason to doubt it," he stated, referring to his expectation of a pardon. Trump has previously characterized Capitol rioters as "political prisoners," pledging case-by-case evaluations for potential pardons.

His activities since fleeing included a series of posts criticizing Judge Chutkan, where Vo went so far as to claim he was the victim of a "kangaroo court." He has articulated his intent to file for political asylum in Canada, with assistance from an immigration lawyer. However, Purdy noted that there is no record of Vo entering Canada through any official border crossings.

Vo's legal troubles extend beyond his initial sentencing; he was reported to have violated court orders in the past, including attending a protest in support of other rioters. Prosecutors emphasized his lack of remorse and persistent defiance, factors that played into his sentencing. Judge Chutkan had previously warned him, saying, "He has a different view of the Constitution and a different view of the seriousness of his actions."

Vo's mother, Annie Vo, is also facing charges related to the Capitol riot, with her trial set for March 10, 2024. As Antony Vo awaits a detention review hearing next Wednesday, the implications of his case extend beyond his personal freedom, touching upon the broader narrative surrounding the events of January 6, 2021, and the ongoing legal and political ramifications for those involved.

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