By Chris Richburg
Atlanta rapper T.I. was on the receiving end of a goodwill gesture Thursday (March 20) as a federal magistrate judge has allowed him to attend Easter services.
The Associated Press reports the ruling will enable T.I. (born Clifford Harris) to spend time away from his home on Sunday (March 23) to go to services by New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.
The rapper, the judge said, must be accompanied by a court-approved monitor and one of his attorneys.
He will be able venture away from his home from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The ruling comes as Harris awaits trial on weapons charges.
T.I. was arrested Oct. 13 for allegedly trying to buy unregistered machine guns and silencers. The capture occurred just hours before Harris was scheduled to take the stage at the BET Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta.
The 27-year-old rapper, who was charged with possession of unregistered machine guns and silencers and possession of firearms by a convicted felon, was released on bond.
He is currently under is under house arrest at a home in Henry County. As a condition of the bond, Harris must get approval of all visitors.
The judge’s ruling is a turnaround from the opposition the rapper experienced when he asked to host a Thanksgiving Day get together at his home.
The request was denied after the government opposed it.
Harris faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each of the weapons charges filed against him.