WarRoom Battleground EP 811: Mask Mandate Trial Verdict Stuns Legal Expert
Release Date: July 18, 2025
Host: Jane Zirkel, Filling in for Stephen K. Bannon

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Bannon’s War Room, host Jane Zirkel delves into the controversial trial surrounding mask mandates at polling stations in Island County, Washington. The program features key figures involved in the dispute, including Tim Hazelow, the GOP chairman, and his lawyer, Angus Lee. The episode provides an in-depth analysis of the legal battle, its implications for civil rights, and the broader impact on election integrity.

The Mask Mandate Dispute: Tim Hazelow’s Stand

Tim Hazelow opens the discussion with a vivid recount of his confrontation with law enforcement over enforcing a mask mandate during election observations.

• Observation of Civil Rights:
  Hazelow emphasizes his mission to observe elections as a party representative, asserting his First Amendment rights. He states, “I’m supposed to be here to exercise my rights, I’m also obligated to observe based on my position” (04:15).

• Conflict with Law Enforcement:
  The episode highlights a heated exchange captured on body camera footage where Hazelow refuses to wear a mask, leading to his removal from the polling site. Despite his cooperation post-confrontation, the initial conflict sets the stage for the legal battle.

Legal Proceedings and Charges

Jane Zirkel provides a detailed overview of the trial's progression and the charges faced by Hazelow.

• Initial Charges and Prosecutor's Actions:
  Prosecutor Greg Banks escalated the situation from disorderly conduct to felony unauthorized access. Angus Lee, Hazelow’s attorney, criticizes Banks' motivations, suggesting political bias: “He has an extreme and pronounced animus towards anyone in the Republican party” (12:45).

• Trial Dynamics:
  The trial was swift, with jury selection, witness testimonies, and deliberations spanning just three days. Hazelow expresses frustration over limited defense opportunities: “We weren’t allowed to talk about the legality of the mask mandate itself” (18:30).

Expert Analysis: Angus Lee on Legal Overreach

Angus Lee offers a professional critique of the prosecution's strategy and the broader legal implications.

• Authority of the Auditor:
  Lee asserts that the auditor lacked the authority to impose a mask mandate without proper health advisories, challenging the legitimacy of the charges: “The auditor unilaterally and without lawful authority imposed this order” (22:10).

• Jury Misinstruction:
  He highlights significant courtroom missteps, including improper jury instructions that incorrectly affirmed the auditor’s authority, undermining the trial's fairness: “The jury was given improper instructions on the law” (25:50).

Verdict and Aftermath

The jury’s verdict, perceived as unjust by Hazelow and his legal team, is scrutinized for its procedural flaws.

• Dismissal of Charges:
  Initially, the disorderly conduct charge was dismissed, but the escalation to felony charges left a lasting impact on Hazelow’s reputation and legal standing.

• Appeal and Future Actions:
  Lee announces plans to appeal the conviction, emphasizing the wrongful application of the law and the need for a new trial: “If the judge doesn't grant [the motions], we will be appealing the conviction” (30:25).

Broader Implications: Civil Rights and Election Integrity

The episode extends the conversation to the repercussions of such legal battles on civil liberties and the integrity of the electoral process.

• Voter Observation Rights:
  Lee underscores the importance of allowing party representatives to observe elections without undue restrictions, framing it as a matter of voter integrity and transparency.

• Legal Precedents:
  The case sets a concerning precedent for future interactions between election observers and law enforcement, potentially deterring lawful participation in the electoral process.

Guest Perspectives: Marlee Hornick and Callie Cooper

The discussion broadens to include insights from Marlee Hornick of Unite for Freedom and Callie Cooper, Communications Director at the Republican Study Committee.

• Marlee Hornick criticizes the prosecution of election observers as part of a larger crackdown on dissent, drawing parallels to other high-profile cases like Tina Peters: “Election systems are broken. They are failing us miserably” (42:10).

• Callie Cooper highlights Republican legislative successes and ongoing efforts to challenge what they perceive as biased election systems. She discusses upcoming events and legal actions aimed at rectifying perceived injustices in voter verification processes (58:45).

Conclusion: The Fight Continues

WarRoom Battleground wraps up with a call to action for listeners to support Hazelow through his GoFundMe campaign and stay informed via his YouTube channel, "TNT Truth, Not Trash with Tim" (1:05:00). The episode underscores the ongoing struggle between civil rights activists and governmental authorities, emphasizing the necessity of vigilance in protecting election integrity and personal freedoms.

Notable Quotes

• Tim Hazelow:
  “I’m supposed to be here to exercise my rights, I’m also obligated to observe based on my position.” (04:15)

• Angus Lee:
  “The auditor unilaterally and without lawful authority imposed this order.” (22:10)

• Angus Lee:
  “The jury was given improper instructions on the law.” (25:50)

• Marlee Hornick:
  “Election systems are broken. They are failing us miserably.” (42:10)

• Callie Cooper:
  “We are actually going to air those interviews after the break. We have some War Room favorites coming up.” (58:45)

This episode of WarRoom Battleground provides a comprehensive look into the clash over mask mandates at polling places, the ensuing legal ramifications, and the broader implications for election integrity and civil liberties. Through detailed testimonies and expert analyses, it sheds light on the tensions between governmental policies and individual rights within the electoral framework.