After a three-day trial in Missoula District Court earlier this week, Staff Sergeant Brandon Bryant was found not guilty after shooting a threatening YouTube video about city council members.
On February 14, 2020, Assistant District Attorney Matt Jennings charged Bryant with two crimes; Threats and Inappropriate Influence from Public Officials and Intimidation.
KGVO reported at the time that “Bryant was charged with threats or undue influence in political or official matters,” Jennings said. “People’s right to freedom of expression is vital in our society, and people definitely have the right to participate in their government, but they have no right to threaten the people who make the decisions. Some of the things that have been alleged in this case are very worrying and have led to this person being charged with these threats. “
Bryant has been charged with threatening mass murder. According to court documents, Bryant admitted to a Missoula police officer that he made and posted a video saying he was “hunting and exterminating” people.
At the time, Bryant’s bail was set at $ 100,000. Jennings says the Missoula County attorney’s office has asked for heavy bail because of the nature of these threats. Judge Shane Vannatta refused to lower the bail amount because he said the court was concerned by the nature of the allegations.
Later in February 2020, Missoula City Councilors Jesse Ramos, Sandra Vasecka and John Contos asked for patience and understanding for the case of Bryant, who had suffered from PTSD through his military service.
After the acquittal in the process earlier this week, Councilor Ramos said he would welcome Bryant back to attend city council meetings.
“I hope he will choose to return to the council and speak out as a citizen of Missoula,” said Ramos. “He has that right, and no citizen should ever be afraid to do it. I think if that had gone differently and he had been convicted, I think it would have sent a very terrifying message to the citizens of Missoula, making them think twice about coming down and talking to their elected officials in the council meeting. “
Jennings said the two crimes resulted in a 10-year prison sentence and a $ 50,000 fine each.