CNN, NBC each paid $35k for video of Capitol breach from activist charge in connection with riot

CNN, NBC each paid $35k for video of the recent U.S. Capitol breach from an activist charged in connection with participating in the Jan. 6 siege.

The deal was made public when attorneys for the activist, John Sullivan, provided invoices from the networks, as part of court proceeding in which federal prosecutors are trying to stop Sullivan from using social media platforms Twitter and Facebook, according to Politco.

A Washington, D.C.-based magistrate judge on Tuesday deny the prosecutors' request but ordered Sullivan to stop work with his Insurgence USA website and social media platforms.

Sullivan from Utah, says he was at the Capitol not as a participant but as an observer – to record video for his online platform.

Some of the video purportedly shows the deadly shooting of protester Ashli Babbitt by a U.S. Capitol Police officer.

The Justice Department argues the site promotes and glorifies violent protests. The department earlier this month charged  Sullivan in connection with civil disorder, violent entry or disorderly conduct and entering a restricted building or grounds.

Prosecutors also argue Sullivan encourages violence on the website, showing follower how to make Molotov cocktails and evade police.

Insurgency USA claims to be part of a "revolution," against "the sinister motives of Proud Boys and Right-Wing militias," and "Antifa and BLM's communist plans to overthrow democracy."