A federal judge has asked a Mercer County woman indicted in connection with the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riots to explain why her pre-trial release should not be revoked after posting a video mocking a court order.

A social media video posted March 31 shows Rachel Marie Powell of Sandy Lake, Mercer County, wearing a mesh mask with her nose and mouth visible through it at her place of employment.

The former West Sunbury woman, known as the pink hat lady, was ordered by Chief U.S. District Judge Beryl A. Howell to “wear a mask whenever she leaves her residence,” as part of her pre-trial release agreement.The U.S. Probation & Pre-Trial Services Office filed a non-compliance report April 15 against Powell, which was signed by U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth.The report says the office received evasive answers from Powell when it called to inquire about the video. Powell also told the office that she threw away a mask per her attorney's advisement, according to the report.The court directed Powell to provide cause in writing by April 26 as to why she should not have her pre-trial release taken away.Powell was arrested by the FBI on Feb. 4 for her alleged connection with the U.S. Capitol riots. She was placed in Butler County Prison in February until she was released on house arrest Feb. 11.She faces charges of obstruction, depredation of government property, entering a restricted building or grounds with a dangerous weapon, entering a restricted building or grounds, and violent entry or disorderly conduct.Powell was allegedly photographed at the Capitol Jan. 6 wearing a pink hat and carrying a bullhorn, which she used to give directions to others entering the government building, and a wooden pole that she used to slam a window of the Capitol. One of the counts accuses Powell of possessing an “ice axe.”Powell's lawyer, Michael Engle, represents her in both cases. In previous court appearances, Engle asserted his client's innocence and noted that she did not have a prior criminal record.

Rachel Marie Powell