Pittman’s decision on Tuesday came after a series of pretrial rulings penalizing lawyers for the defense. In December, he ordered three defense attorneys to each pay a $500 fine for filing aggressive motions for discovery. He also nearly blocked George Lobb, an attorney, from representing one of the defendants, saying he had not met the residency requirements to practice in the district. Lobb eventually withdrew from the federal case and Clayton replaced him.
After declaring the mistrial, Pittman gave a short speech decrying partisan division in the country, saying he was “absolutely disgusted” by it and that “we have to find a way to turn down the anger”.
I'm noticing a bias, and it ain't from the jury.