Earlier this month, the Christian nationalist organization Liberty Counsel held a fundraising gala called "A New Birth of Freedom" at which Rep. Byron Donalds, who is now running for governor in Florida, delivered the keynote address.
Hosted by Mat Staver, the anti-LGBTQ and anti-vax right-wing conspiracy theorist who founded and runs Liberty Counsel, the event also presented a "Defender of Freedom" award to John Strand, a model and right-wing activist who was sentenced to more than two years in prison for his actions during the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, only to be pardoned by President Donald Trump upon his return to office.
Strand was convicted of illegally entering the Capitol and refusing to leave. As Mother Jones reported, he openly bragged his actions.
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In presenting the award to Strand, Staver and his wife Anita insisted that Strand had "committed no crime" and was, in fact, a "true patriot" who was persecuted and became a "political prisoner."
"May God use this unspeakable experience to bring a new birth of freedom that will last for generations," declared Anita Staver, in presenting the award.
Strand, likewise, presented himself as a heroic "political hostage" who had done nothing wrong.