A Public Defender's Radical Approach to Representing The January 6th Rioters | The New Yorker 

Hello everyone, this is Andrea Kalin, the director of "Public Defender," and Ethan Oser, co-producer alongside me. Making “Public Defender” has been an incredibly eye-opening journey. It became a lens through which to question the systems that seem intent on dividing us, and holding those responsible accountable. “Public Defender” is about peeling back the layers of disinformation and understanding the complexities that often go unseen. Along the way, we uncovered a story we never anticipated-the powerful relationships between a liberal public defender in Washington, DC, and her clients caught up in the January 6th Capitol attack. Our hope is that “Public Defender” encourages you to dig deeper, to reflect on the role we all play in this divided landscape, and to see that even in the most polarized times, there’s room for dialogue, understanding, and change. We’ve crafted this film as an invitation to remain engaged, to push through the overwhelming noise of misinformation, and to embrace the difficult but necessary work of changing the narrative. We want “Public Defender” to stir meaningful conversations and spark reflection. It’s a reminder that the work of rebuilding trust and restoring our relationships is ours to carry forward. Thank you for watching and for being part of this ongoing conversation.

It may seem nuts that someone who isn’t registered to vote would travel to Jan 6th but it’s probably not unusual. We’re living in the strange era of the radicalized low-information voter

What an incredible woman Heather is - full of compassion, humility, intelligence and strength! Thank you New Yorker!

Bless you, Heather. Thank you, New Yorker.

This is what reaching across the aisle with empathy and an open heart looks like. I wish luck to them both

Heather Shaner is a remarkable woman. Such compassion! She, and your storytelling helped me understand and feel for these people.

What an incredible person she is. The only issue is that it appears that the only people capable of this level of empathy and understanding can only be found on one side of the aisle, so to speak. Had they successfully overturned the 2020 election, there would be no grace extended to those that they silenced. And I think that’s what I find most troubling.

Congratulations and thanks to the New Yorker staff who created this very moving documentary.

Dangerous disinformation and misinformation should not be considered "free speech" when it incites violence, chaos and hate.

Sad to see these sheep following their orange god right off the cliff. :(

Incredible documentary. Wouldn’t be shocked if this wins best documentary short!

I feel for the mother who was sent to 60days incarceration - she appeared gunuine in her remorse. In the meantime, Liberty Dragon who is chasing fame and sees it all as a game will get into trouble yet again.

Heather reminds me of my middle school teacher. They are both similar in height but have a heart that is tender and personality that is big and mighty. Heather just like my teacher, has a determination to help people and love for humanity. So much strength through compassion and determination to help as much as possible from Heather and my former teacher.

Wow...This is an emotional and very insightful documentary.

I LOVE Heather!!! THANK YOU, Heather!

The kind of person who makes America great.

At 24:12 he leaves the courthouse and gives a clenched fist salute. Still a proud not-see. 😢

This was brilliant. Thank you.

They dont even know the meaning of those slogans. "New world order". Ps im grateful for this film. Im canadian, but jan 6 shook me

This brave, blue haired woman terrifies the fascist GOP.

Amazing lady!

I know this has nothing to do with what she’s talking about, but her seat raises up and she probably then would need all of those dangerous pillows. She’s sitting on.

Very insightful documentary. Thank you for posting this

Beautifully done. You opened my eyes and heart even wider. A shame the easily manipulated, poorly educated are paying the price for the Machiavellian. I shared this with the creators of the brilliant podcast, Ear Hustle created in San Quentin Prison to share with all. This is illustrates the failure of our system on so many levels. This public defender should be canonized a Saint or at least reverted in law schools.

The New Yorker. 🎉. I ❤ NY too.

CAT: 13:03 (tortoiseshell) You're welcome.

Thank you

Your honor, my client is an idiot and is easily manipulated. I find my own client guilty. Thank you

I feel sad for the woman and, nothing for the guy. They are both such goof balls but, in such two different ways. Lonliness is a helluva thing.

This is compelling

Such a thoughtful approach she has to practicing law - to stand between the immense power of the U.S. government and a single individual.

I can’t explain but at 23:18 bumped up my “hope in humanity” meter

This piece humanized January 6 rioters.

Kudos to these brave defendants for their honesty and vulnerability

Do you need to hear Hitler story?

Three years? Should be 30 yrs minimum.

Jack needs to wake up and realize he’s been conned.

Couldn't pay me enough to represent cult members. Especially when there's no remorse, no comprehension of wrong doing, a complete denial of what really happened. This woman is a saint.

I have no sympathy for fascists. Do not humanize those who sought to dehumanize others.

Imbeciles seeking thrills.

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

This woman is soo advanced! What an example. But, on the other hand, the "dragon" needs psycological attention. I was so surprised that he didn't had the capacity for just a little bit of instrospection and he went back to what puts him in the same situation as fast as he could. So now, he is being back to be a danger to democracy. Is this a never ending story? Is paradoxical. Freedom of speech to people that are agains freedom of speech. Wow. What a interesting reality we are in.

I have *zero* respect for Mac computers. They look like a dystopian kids toy. They look like a prison computer with autism.