Two evangelical pastors, a father and son were allegedly involved in storming the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021. This is the story of James Varnall Cusick Jr. and Casey Cusick of Global Outreach Ministries Church in Melbourne, Florida. Christian nationalism needs to be regarded as dangerous and in the view of this blog those who stormed the Capitol are no different than ISIL or Al Qaeda. The number of evangelicals who were into Christian nationalism who stormed the Capitol is profoundly disturbing.
“Riots born out of political issues aren’t the same as those born out of personal greed.“
Ross Kemp
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Isiah 41:10 NLT
An alleged Christian terrorist family. Casey Cusick, 35, on the right was allegedly involved in storming the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021. This account on Instagram looks like it was taken down.
Recently the FBI sat down in Florida and was interviewing a man about his involvement in the January 6, 2021 riot. It appears the information came from a tip. David John Lesperance was being asked about his activities in the Capitol and admitted that he was in Washington, D.C. from January 5 to 8th, 2021. Lesperance also said that he and his pastor were, “present at President Trump’s speech and then at the U.S. Capitol afterwards.” Lesperance admitted that “they” had entered the Capitol but he would not tell the FBI who “they” was. He indicated that the term, “they” included their pastor. The FBI through social media was able to connect David John Lesperance to the Cusick family.
Who are James Varnell Cusick Jr and Casey Cusick?
James Cusick is the Senior Pastor of Global Outreach Ministries in Melbourne, Florida. Global Outreach was incorporated in Florida in July of 1983. Cusick holds ministry credentials with the Association of Faith Churches. He also actively works and ministers with the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem. Also working at Global Outreach Ministries is James son’s Casey Cusick who is a pastor as well. Casey is the vice-president of the ministries. He has a degree from Rhema Bible College which he obtained in 2014. Note before the Instagram account disappeared I saw a couple of pictures of him posing or boasting of his degree from Rhema. Casey also spent three years working in Israel. The church website states that Cusick teaches, “The uncompromised truths of God’s Word with passion and purpose and weekly Bible studies.” The church had over 200 followers on Facebook before it was taken down. The church also locked down the website. However through the internet archive you can see more here.
Apprehension by FBI and a Social Media Trail
The indicators by David John Lesperance led to James and Casey Cusick. Pictures on Instagram placed them at the location and their clothing they were wearing was also captured in other pictures as they were allegedly storming the United States Capitol and breaking inside. There was a social media trail that they tried to scrub after their run in with the law. They made an appearance in court on Thursday June 24, 2021. They face charges of knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or on grounds without lawful authority, disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. They were released on $25,000 bond and had to submit to DNA collection, no possession of firearms, surrender of any passports, and travel restricted to the Middle District of Florida and the District of Columbia for court appearances. Looks like the Rhema conferences are out of the question. Bummer!
And in other news of Christian Godliness Florida Today also reports that this is not the first time Casey Cusick had a run in with the law. According to Brevard court records he also also arrested for disorderly conduct and striking his wife physically in public and causing her to bleed. So the lesson is don’t let the cute picture up top deceive you.
If you would like to read more about this father and son team you can do so at the following resources.
- Florida Today, “Melbourne pastor, his son and a congregant arrested in connection to January 6 Capitol Riot.”
- Law and Crime, “Florida Pastor Charged in U.S. Capitol Siege After One of His Own Followers Ratted Him Out.“
- Washington Post, “A Florida man admitted storming the Capitol, feds say. Then he told the FBI his pastor had come with him.“
- Newsweek, “Florida Pastor and Son Arrested In Capitol Riot After Congregant Provided Evidence to FBI.“
- Daily Mail, “MAGA rioter tells the FBI he stormed the US Capitol with his PASTOR – and now they both face charges.“
Some Closing Thoughts on This Situation
What struck me about this story is how two lives are destroyed. How a father failed to raise his son properly and even led him astray into committing violence and storming the Capitol. Look at that picture above. I took a screen shot of it and shortly afterward the Instagram account disappeared. If you didn’t know what this guy did would you have suspected or thought that Casey engaged in terrorist activity? We need to keep track of ISIL and Al Qaeda, but we also need to keep track of Christian terrorists like the Cusicks. In some ways I would argue that they are more dangerous than ISIl or Al Qaeda because they can put on a disguise and fit in easier. I mean all Cusick needs to do is go to a Bible study, lift his hands in worship, shed a tear at the newest Chris Tomlin song, and quote 1 Corinthians or John and who would have guess that you have the makings of a terrorist? Christian nationalism is not something to take lightly. I have not written about the storming in the Capitol in a while but when I heard of this I knew it had to be written.
In the view of this blog Christian nationalism needs to be treated just like terrorism. When you think about it the people who invaded the capitol on January 6, did what Osama Bin Ladin did not do. They attacked the Capitol and invaded it. And when you consider the situation those who rioted and stormed the Capitol are worse than Al Qaeda. Why? They were Americans who assaulted democracy. They betrayed their form of government and commitment to democracy. Those who did so as Christian nationalists believe in theocracy and are opposed to democracy. This is a threat and one of the reasons why Christian nationalism is quite dangerous. In the view of this blog James Varnell Cusick Jr and Casey Cusick need to have the book thrown at them. They need to be held accountable for storming the Capitol. This blog wants the FBI to go after them with all resources possible.
Wondering Eagle 
I think those two should face the same consequences as the Antifa rioters in Portland. Would you agree?
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i’e. “WHATABOUT ANTIFA? THE COMMUNISTS! THE COMMUNISTS! THE COMMUNISTS!”
Pure muscle reflex without engaging any neuron above the reptile brain.
doubleplusgood doubleplusduckspeak.
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If any of these Christian nationalists try some sort of violence, I say they be treated like terrorists and dealt with accordingly, preferably with lethal force. I am all for them meeting their “Jesus” sooner rather than later.
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Unlike Antifa, no violence took place; except Ashli Babbitt who was shot and killed.
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And the four others who died including a capital police officer.
I guess all the broken stuff they had to clean up was imaginary too.
These clowns were part of a crowd that breached offices & chambers. Some had zip ties.
What would have happened if they got their hands on Mike Pence? Or Nancy Pelosi?
The only thing that protected them was their status.
Had these been BLM protesters it would have been weapons hot.
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All Fake News.
All Librul Media LIES!
WHATABOUT HUNTER BIDEN?????????
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Seneca,
Except the Portland rioters did not breach the FedGov property perimeter, UNLIKE the Jan 6th rioters. They should face other charges, like vandalism, destruction of government property, etc. along with any and all applicable state and local charges. But then you just CAN”T admit that these are somewhat like comparing apples and oranges.
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Antifa are anarchist. There reason for being is to destroy the government.
Secondly:
Antifa activists attempted to burn down the Mark Hatfield FEDERAL courthouse in Portland, Oregon Thursday night. The building was the site of over 120 consecutive nights of rioting by BLM and Antifa last summer
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But did they breach the perimeter of that courthouse? YES OR NO? The answer is they DIDN’T. Throwing things at the wall of the courthouse is a bit different than actually GOING IN to the courthouse and trashing the place, looking for federal judges to hold them with zip ties, and wanting give them the gallows while they are conducting a federal trial. Nice try. But you can’t weasel out of this one.
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“WHAT ABOUT BURN LOOT MURDER AND ANTIFA! ANTIFA! ANTIFA! ANTIFA!”
I have some news: ANTIFA UNDERSTANDS THE CONCEPT OF OPERATIONAL SECURITY. All dress alike, full mask, no smartphones or anything that can be tracked or traces, and when you’re going to a riot NO BRAGGING OR SHOWING OFF YOUR LOOT TO NEWS REPORTERS (“BIGGO WAS HERE, BITCH!”)! OR UPLOADING YOUR LIVESTREAM TO FACEBOOK!
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Seneca,
You surely are not that obtuse to not know that violations of Federal laws are much more serious than violation of state and local laws.
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Not “disappeared”, Comrade.
As of now, IT NEVER EXISTED.
doubleplusungood doubleplusunevent.
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I just look at the data; read behind the lines; Do thing like google antifa. Portland, federal facility. Voila; they attempted to burn down a Federal Courthouse.
BTW, some guy who broke into the Congressional building was sentenced to 8 months today. That could be the measuring stick. Now if he was Antifa, tried to burn down a Federal Courthouse in Portland, he’d be on the street the next day despite his avowal that he wants to destroy the government. Apparently that is not a problem.
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Why don’t actually check to see what the criminal penalties for federal laws ACTUALLY are first? Compare the penalties for the 2 first and get a clue.
Second, why don’t you see there are likely other charges in connection with that guy who breached the Capitol perimeter. Do a little searching in the US Code and get back to me, rather than listen to Fox News and OAN. But then if you, your whole narrative would collapse.
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“I Do My Own Research”, just like a QAnoner.
Seneca’s been thrown off blogs before. Mostly for siding with the perps against the victims in church abuse cases. He tries to come back with different handles, but his IP addy gives him away.
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“No violence took place.” That is an incredibly sanitized and selective assessment of the events, but consistent with the whitewashing the Right has been undertaking ever since the day’s events. For those of us who watched that day in real time, and have subsequently watched the full-length video documentation, that just isn’t going to fly. “Who are you going to believe, me or your lying eyes?”
And, yes, I am in favor of prosecuting individuals who resort to violence and property damage in other protests, so don’t call me inconsistent.
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I guess in Seneca’s mind, forceably breaching a perimeter, destroying property, intimidating/threatening lawmakers, and attempted kidnapping of congress members is not violence. In that case, maybe a bunch of people go over to his place of business or home and have them do that to him. Maybe some thug can round Seneca up and take him somewhere in ZIP ties for an impromptu trial. Guilty verdict of course, death by hanging.
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“In that case, maybe a bunch of people go over to his place of business or home and have them do that to him. Maybe some thug can round Seneca up and take him somewhere in ZIP ties for an impromptu trial. Guilty verdict of course, death by hanging.”
Obviously what the progressives dream of. If God will’s your dreams might come true but I’m ok regardless.
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^^^THIS.
Agree 110%. One thing to keep in mind though is that all the crimes committed on Jan 6th at the Capitol were FEDERAL crimes. What happened in Portland were primarily violations of state and local law (with some Federal crimes). This is a subtle difference. Something NONE of Seneca’s ilk and the news sites he follows (Fox, OAN, etc.) and the alt-right pundits can admit.
As any first year law student knows, the penalties for violation of federal law can be much harsher than state or local law. Also, the federal prosecutions are almost always a slam dunk. That is why their conviction rates are much higher than those at the state or local level.
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No, that is The Party Line.
Two Plus Two Equals Five, Comrades.
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What we see here is not a one-off. Evangelical churches (or their pastors) for the most part are not like this one – yet. But there is an increasing radicalization within the movement, and my money is on this happening more frequently. Evangelicals have already been growing tired of playing “spiritual warfare”, and are talking about real-life civil war. I’ve seen a number of articles quoting evangelical influencers calling for their enemies (e.g. gays, abortionists) to be executed. More than a few agree with that in principle. As their demographic shrinks and they feel more threatened, its possible to see greater alignment in practice with their brothers-in-arms, the private militias. It happened, using one example, with Ian Paisley and the loyalist paramilitaries in Northern Ireland during the 1980’s. I’m not a prophet… just someone who’s seen this scenario play out before.
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” I’ve seen a number of articles quoting evangelical influencers calling for their enemies (e.g. gays, abortionists) to be executed.”
I’m sorry, that’s absolute bull shovelings; sheesh
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“Let’s count Christian ministers who’ve advocated death for gays”,
https://www.laconiadailysun.com/opinion/letters/lets-count-christian-ministers-whove-advocated-death-for-gays/article_af57d7c9-9315-5bf6-b967-4561f2e9e5d8.html
And that was only 2017.
Or have a look at evangelical celebs like Matt Barber, Tony Perkins or Bryan Fischer who supported the so-called “Kill the Gays” legislation in Uganda. I could go on, ugh.
So as a conservative, orthodox Christian, do you, or do you not, also follow God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death in Leviticus 20:13 (recalled in Romans 1:32)?
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Save your breath, Phronetic.
Seneca’s Born-Again, with GAWD on his side.
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Not anymore, HUG!
He took the mark.
He’s coming to my Hades hot tub party with Joe Biden.
He better start practicing teeth gnashing & wailing. Those demons in heck have pretty high standards.
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“He better start practicing teeth gnashing & wailing.”
A solemn warning that we should all be orthodontically prepared for judgement.
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They have traded in sniffing for DEMONS and WITCHES under every bed for Turner Diaries: The Live Role-Playing Game.
An animal is NEVER as dangerous as when it’s wounded and cornered.
Speaking of private militias, according to anewscafe.com one of them (led by a strip club owner) is trying to take over Shasta County (Northern CA), possibly in connection with Bethel Church (the grave-soaking mega with its own Dead Raising Team). They may have infiltrated the cops and DA and are pushing a recall of either the Redding City Council or County Board of Directors to get their own Loyal Patriots in there.
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Exactly what the Klan did in the 1920’s – ingratiating themselves into respectable society. Pastors had to be courted, church attendance mandatory, support the Sunday School and donate to building fund. OUR kind of terrorists were very fine people.
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Phronetic, 100 years ago the burg I’m posting this from was known as “Klanaheim, Kalifornia” In the Roaring Twenties our mayor & city council was Klan, our cops were all Klan, our fire department was all Klan. Regular cross-burnings in what’s now La Palma Park, even had a KKK sigil and KIGY (Klonversation for “Klansman, I Greet You!”) on the “Welcome to Anaheim” signs at the city limits.
This was the Second Klan of the 1920s, largest, richest, most widespread, and most powerful of all 3 1/2 incarnations of the Klan.
Since there were very few blacks and Jews here at the time, the Klan went after the third place on their hit list – Romish Popery. Knights of Columbus based out of St Boniface formed the nucleus of the Anti-Klan Resistance, with their own fire brigade ready (with a lookout in the steeple) in case the Klan tried to torch the church (remember, the cops & FD were all in the Klavern). Took 10 years to take back the town and clean out the Klan.
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As for what’s going down in Shasta County, here’s a posting from anewscafe.com about the militia-infiltrated Warrior Cops of Redding. Note all the Patriotic memes:
https://anewscafe.com/2021/07/14/redding/questionable-conduct-among-law-enforcement-officials-abounds-in-shasta-county/
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“So as a conservative, orthodox Christian, do you, or do you not, also follow God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death in Leviticus 20:13 (recalled in Romans 1:32)?”
As a follower of Jesus Christ, I certainly believe God “spirit breathed” the Scriptures including Old and New Testaments.
From the Old to the New Testament an “eye-for-an eye” justice is no longer called for.
I certainly believe that God calls mankind to limit sexual expression between a husband [man] and a wife [woman.]
As I have found out in my own life there have been unforeseen and painful consequences when I have decided I would do as I please and ignore the clear teaching of Scripture. Sin never goes unpunished but sometimes the punishment is very subtle and may take decades to recognize.
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The problem with Seneca is that he _ASS_umes that anyone who is not a Trumpista is automatically a leftie. It never occurs to him that there are principled conservatives out there who never liked, who opposed, and who despised Trump. Since Seneca gives the standard Trump cult following, alt-right, Fox/OAN comment “BUT ANTIFA”, I will point out this collections of Tweets by conservative Jonah Goldberg:
https://threader.app/thread/1349880462316085249
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Having seen his yelling at clouds for some years on iMonk, I was foolish to take the bait. I was getting an oil change the other day, and forgot my phone. So I leafed through the newspaper, and chanced on this Dear Abby – which I never read unless completely bored. It says it all about responding to his games…..
Dear Abby:
My husband of 20 years constantly blames everything on the political party I lean toward. He tries his best to say hurtful things about them and lure me into a fight. I try to ignore it, but it’s starting to wear on me, and our kids hear his rants as well. He has a lot of hateful feelings. He refuses to get counseling and is getting worse. I would appreciate any advice that you would be willing to give.
— Mismatched in Texas
Dear Mismatched:
Draw the line. Tell your husband you will no longer tolerate being the target of his verbal abuse. If he can’t calmly discuss your differences — political or otherwise — you do not want them discussed, particularly in front of the children
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I think the actual terminology is “Anyone who is not a Patriot is automatically a Traitor”.
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Not a Trumpista, don’t watch Fox [ no cable ] vaguely aware of Oanon,
I certainly preferred Trump to Hillary, preferred Trump to Biden. Voted accordingly
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My go to blogs:
*
Instapundit.com
Powerlineblog.com
Babylon Bee
Wonderingeagle of course.
Insta and Powerline have a conservative perspective; not necessarily Republican however. There is a difference.
I really don’t like conservative conspiracy blogs.
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I’m touched Seneca!!
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FYI
http://thebullelephant.com/my-search-for-the-elusive-white-nationalists-and-supremacists-in-the-church/
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Because they obviously Don’t Exist.
ALL FAKE NEWS,
LIBRUL MEDIA LIES FROM THE PIT OF HELL,
WHAT ABOUT THE SATANISTS TAKING AND SACRIFICING OUR CHRISTIAN CHILDREN?
bla, bla, bla, bla, bla.
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