On Thursday, Rebecca Lavrenz, 71, was found guilty by a Washington, D.C., jury of misdemeanor charges linked to her brief presence inside the Capitol Building on Jan. 6, 2021. The Colorado Springs resident, a great-grandmother and bed and breakfast owner, faces a potential year in prison and fines exceeding $200,000.

Lavrenz, who has no prior criminal record, drove from Colorado to attend the Stop the Steal rally. Following a time spent in prayer outside the Capitol, she found herself amid a crowd that entered the building. Surveillance and cellphone data confirmed she was inside for approximately 10 minutes, interacting peacefully with Capitol Police.

D.C. Jury Convicts Great-Grandma For Walking Around The Capitol For 10 Minutes On Jan. 6https://t.co/XpRm0vMDjC

— The Federalist (@FDRLST) April 5, 2024

The charges against Lavrenz include entering and remaining in a restricted building, disorderly and disruptive conduct, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in the Capitol. The guilty verdict brought immediate criticism from national figures. Elon Musk simply decried the jury’s decision as “not right.” Sen. Mike Lee (R-AZ) wrote Thursday evening on X, formerly Twitter: “The praying grandma needs prayers … and a presidential pardon.”

Not right

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 4, 2024

The praying grandma needs prayers … and a presidential pardon. https://t.co/TyhCI5XTI2

— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) April 4, 2024

The case has resonated with many Americans, highlighting concerns over the justice system’s handling of the Jan. 6 protestors. Lavrenz’s testimony reflects a sense of betrayal by her country for merely expressing her political beliefs. In an emotional statement before her trial, she questioned the fairness of being treated like a criminal for standing up for her convictions.

Critics argue that the conviction exemplifies a disproportionate response by the Department of Justice under the Biden administration, which aimed directly at stifling all political dissent. Stewart Parks, who faced similar charges, condemned the harsh penalties as a message that certain forms of protest are unacceptable.

The portrayal of Jan. 6 as a violent insurrection has been challenged by fair observers, citing footage and witness accounts of peaceful demonstrators who were often ushered into the Capitol by friendly police officers. The release of Capitol tapes previously withheld has fueled debate over the narrative surrounding the events of that day.