February 6, 1999
Web posted at: 11:10 a.m. EDT (1110 GMT)

WASHINGTON (February 6) -- The man arrested for disrupting the Senate impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton on Thursday pleaded not guilty Friday to charges of "disruption of Congress."

Richard Douglas Llamas, a 48-year-old unemployed Washington carpenter, Thursday shouted to senators during the trial: "Good God Almighty, take the vote and get it over with."

Spectators at the arraignment chuckled when a clerk read the single "disruption of Congress" charge.

"That's a crime?" one lawyer mused from the seating area.

"All right!" another chortled.

Llamas was released on his own recognizance after spending a little more than 24 hours behind bars. He was ordered to stay at least one block away from the Capitol building until his jury trial, scheduled for April 19.

He could be sentenced to six months in prison if convicted.

Llamas, who is single, is a Navy veteran and avid follower of politics, according to one attorney who met with him since his arrest.

The attorney described Llamas as a prolific letter writer to members of Congress. His missives cover numerous subject areas, he said.

The Capitol Hill police investigated Llamas' background and concluded he was not a threat to members of Congress, according to a police spokesman.

Llamas received support from radio personality Don Imus Friday morning who commended him for his stand.

Despite his fondness for sounding off on key issues of the day, Llamas followed his attorney's advice and refused to talk to reporters after his court appearance.

Saturday, February 6, 1999

• Affidavit seems to dispute Blumenthal's sworn testimony
• House prosecutors, Clinton lawyers wrangle over videotaped testimony
• Transcript: Senate impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton -- Day 16
• Senate's legislative clerk killed in accident
• Man arrested for disrupting Senate trial pleads not guilty
• Presidential hopefuls visit New Hampshire
• Espy won't run for office
• Clinton seeks to end landing limits at New York, Chicago airports
• Clinton presses for crackdown on gun shows
• GOP vows to protect Social Security

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