Report: CNN and NBC each paid $35,000 to left-wing activist for Capitol shooting footage

Court documents filed by left-wing activist John Sullivan’s attorneys claim that CNN and NBC each paid $35,000 for footage he recorded of a Trump supporter being fatally shot inside the Capitol building.

Sullivan also received $5,000 from a company called Left/Right Productions and $2,500 from ABC Australia, according to the reports.

Sullivan’s attorneys argue that he was acting as a journalist in the Capitol rather than a rioter.

“Defendant is legitimately self-employed as a documentarian and it is oppressive to require that he not be allowed to continue his primary area of employment for an extended period of time,” Steven R. Kiersh, the Sullivan lawyer, wrote in a court filing.

Sullivan was charged on Jan. 13 with illegally entering the Capitol, civil disorder, and violent or disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.

Prosecutors contend that Sullivan actively participated in the riot. Sullivan’s videos show him encouraging people to enter the Capitol building and yelling, “let’s burn this s**t down.” Reports also add that he is seen in the videos telling viewers how to make Molotov cocktails.

According to reports, the federal magistrate judge overseeing Sullivan’s case ruled on Tuesday that Sullivan can continue to use his Twitter and Facebook accounts, but ordered him to end his work with Insurgence USA, a social justice group he founded.

Sullivan will have his internet use monitored by probation officials and will be banned from using any social media platforms to incite riots, violent protests armed conflict or violence. Sullivan is reportedly also under home detention.

Follow Annaliese Levy on Twitter @AnnalieseLevy