US Capitol Riot: Mike Pence Fires Back at Donald Trump's Claim That FBI Instigated Jan. 6 Chaos

Former Vice President Mike Pence dismissed allegations propagated by ex-President Donald Trump and others, asserting that the FBI was not behind the January 6 US Capitol riot, per The NY Post.

Mike Pence, who found himself trapped inside the Capitol during the chaotic events, emphasized the absence of evidence linking the bureau to the instigation of the Jan. 6 riot.

Speaking on CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday, Pence acknowledged the FBI's repeated assurances that they were not responsible for the riot.

Expressing gratitude for the FBI's efforts to bring nearly a thousand individuals to justice, Pence called for accountability for those who had vandalized the Capitol and committed violence against police officers on that fateful day.

Donald Trump Continues Baseless Claims Regarding US Capitol Riot

Despite Pence's statements, Donald Trump continued to spread unfounded theories over the weekend, alleging that Antifa and the FBI were behind the attack on Congress rather than his own supporters.

Trump asserted this baseless claim during a rally in Sioux Center, Iowa, on January 5, the Independent noted.

"By the way, there was Antifa, there was FBI, there were a lot of other people there too leading the charge," Donald Trump said.

Trump also addressed the size of the crowd on Jan. 6 riot, calling it the "biggest crowd" he had ever spoken to, and expressed concern for those he referred to as "the J6 hostages," individuals arrested and charged for their actions on that day.

Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin challenged these conspiracy theories, questioning why Trump would want to pardon those supposedly connected to the FBI and Antifa, during an appearance on MSNBC.

Public Opinion and Mike Pence's Call for a Fresh Start

A recent Washington Post poll revealed that a third of Republicans believe the unfounded conspiracy theory that the FBI orchestrated the Jan. 6 riot - a claim echoed by Trump just days before, according to CNN.

Mike Pence urged those who believe such falsehoods to consider the hardships endured by Capitol Hill Police during the riot.

Looking ahead to the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary, Pence saw an opportunity for Republicans to usher in new leadership for the party, emphasizing the need for a fresh start in the upcoming elections.

During the US Capitol Riot, Pence was evacuated from the Senate chamber as rioters, some calling for his death, stormed the halls of Congress.

Mike Pence and Donald Trump did not communicate for several days after the attack, and they have since followed separate paths.

This was evident during President Joe Biden's Inauguration Day when Pence attended the swearing-in ceremony in Washington, while Trump departed for Florida before the event commenced.

Providing context to the aftermath of the Jan. 6 riot, the Justice Department reported that over 1,200 individuals have been charged with crimes related to the Capitol attack, with more than 700 pleading guilty to various federal charges.

As the nation marked the three-year anniversary of the violent US Capitol Riot on Saturday, the event's toll included the deaths of four rioters and five police officers, with many others left injured.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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