Conservative journalist Steve Baker has found himself in the crosshairs of the Biden administration’s FBI, as he reveals he will soon face federal charges for his coverage of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol breach. According to Baker, he was notified on Thursday that he would be charged by the Department of Justice for his “journalistic efforts” on that fateful day almost three years ago. He took to X to share the news, stating that the charges are “yet unknown.”
????BREAKING???? My attorney has just been notified by @FBI that I am going to be charged by @TheJusticeDept for my journalistic efforts on #Jan6. I have to self-surrender on Tuesday. Charges are yet unknown. Stay tuned for more information to follow this afternoon.
— Steve Baker – TPC (@TPC4USA) December 14, 2023
Baker is just one in a string of conservative journalists being targeted by the FBI under the Biden presidency, revealing a clear bias toward the left. In a statement on X, Baker expressed his frustration with the situation, saying “My attorney has just been notified by @FBI that I am going to be charged by @TheJusticeDept for my journalistic efforts on #Jan6. Charges are yet unknown.” He also noted that his attorney was initially told he would have to turn himself in on Tuesday, but the deadline was suddenly postponed until after Christmas.
I was one of about 60 journalists who followed the story into the Capitol on #Jan6 – independents and otherwise. None of those who submitted their stories and videos to the regime’s approved outlets have been charged. You do the math. https://t.co/lLqTKHRkbC
— Steve Baker – TPC (@TPC4USA) December 15, 2023
This turn of events has brought to light the questionable timing of the FBI’s sudden directive. As Baker remarks, “They put me through this emotional rollercoaster exactly two years ago when [Assistant U.S. Attorney] Anita Eve informed my attorney that I’d be ‘charged within the week.’ Then, they went silent for 20 months.” It seems that the FBI’s actions are nothing more than a form of intimidation and harassment against a citizen journalist.
Yes . . . I entered the Capitol, like about 60 other journalists. Did no damage or parading or violence.
— Steve Baker – TPC (@TPC4USA) December 14, 2023
Despite the threat of arrest and charges hanging over his head for almost two years now, Baker remains steadfast in his commitment to seek and report the truth. In a recent interview with Blaze Media, he stated, “I/we will not be silenced or hampered by this renewed attack against my work.” This sentiment was echoed by the outlet’s editor-in-chief Matthew Peterson who referred to the situation as “outrageous retaliation on the part of the federal government against a journalist.”
The timing of the FBI’s surrender order to Baker also raises some questions. With recent revelations of perjury committed by Capitol Police officers during the Oath Keepers trial, it seems that this could be the government’s way of retaliating against anyone who challenges the mainstream narrative of the Jan. 6 breach. As Peterson wrote, “We must all rally and end this totalitarian madness.”
This is outrageous retaliation on the part of the federal government against a journalist. @TPC4USA was an independent journalist on J6; he's now investigating the events of that day for @theblaze.
We must all rally and end this totalitarian madness.https://t.co/WN22wYq0To https://t.co/xrrqQMdhy1
— Matthew J. Peterson (@docMJP) December 14, 2023
The fact that the DOJ is targeting a journalist merely doing his job raises serious concerns about the state of free speech in America under the Biden administration. As Peterson notes, “When [Baker] got word he was being charged, he was in DC working on our investigation of the J6 footage.” In other words, he was working to uncover the truth, a right that should be protected under the Constitution.
Some voices on the left have even suggested that only “credentialed” journalists should be allowed to cover news events. This assertion is absurd, as anyone with a cellphone can be a citizen journalist. In fact, everyday citizens have played a vital role in bringing attention to news stories through their videos and photos, which often receive widespread coverage by media outlets.
We recently published evidence that Capital Hill Police officers committed perjury in the Oath Keepers trial and this is apparently the DOJ's response. When @TPC4USA got word he was being charged he was in DC working on our investigation of the J6 footage. @Weaponization…
— Matthew J. Peterson (@docMJP) December 14, 2023
The treatment of Baker by the DOJ and FBI is a alarming indication of the weaponization of the federal criminal justice system. It is clear that the focus is no longer on upholding justice and keeping the public safe, but rather on targeting and silencing one’s political opponents. As Baker’s case continues to unfold, it is imperative that we stand in support of his right to free speech and press, and demand accountability for the actions of the Biden administration.