Ohio Priest Suspended After Attending Pro-Trump Rally Before Capitol Siege

Topline

An Orthodox priest from Ohio has been suspended from “all priestly functions” for attending the protest that preceded the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, as those linked to the violent events face legal and professional consequences. 

Key Facts

Hodges could not immediately be reached by Forbes and the Diocese of the Midwest did not respond to a request for comment. 

Crucial Quote

“My beloved bishop had questioned the wisdom of a priest attending,” said Hodges. “I think part of the problem is I viewed that Stop the Steal rally as expressing extreme concern over voter fraud allegations in the 2020 election.”

Key Background 

Hodges is not alone in suffering professional repercussions for his involvement in pro-Trump demonstrations that day. Multiple rioters were fired by their employers in the days following the attack, including the 52-year-old chief executive of Illinois-based data analytics firm Cognesia, who was terminated after charging the Capitol, and a Maryland printing company employee, who was fired after photos of the siege showed he was wearing his work ID badge. Federal authorities have charged roughly 100 people so far in connection to the riots.