Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. raised doubts about the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol, suggesting it may not have been a true insurrection and expressing concerns about the weaponization of government against those charged in connection to the riot. Kennedy acknowledged that many protesters broke the law but questioned whether it constituted an insurrection, citing feedback from reasonable people.
Kennedy’s statement inaccurately claimed that none of the protesters planned to overthrow the government and that they carried no weapons during the attack, though some of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers were convicted of sedition. When corrected, Kennedy retracted his statement and acknowledged the presence of firearms among the rioters. He condemned those who broke the law and criticized Trump’s claims of a stolen election while questioning if political motives influenced the prosecution of January 6 protestors.
Despite Kennedy’s concerns about the political motivation behind the prosecution of January 6 cases, it is noted that the rigorous prosecutions began while Trump was still in office. Prosecutors have focused on individuals who entered the Capitol, with many Trump supporters who breached the Capitol grounds but did not enter the building escaping charges. Congress voted on January 6 as an insurrection, although Trump was acquitted in his Senate trial.
Kennedy announced plans to appoint an independent special counsel to investigate if prosecutorial discretion was politically abused in January 6 cases. He criticized both Trump and Biden’s handling of the insurrection, aiming to offer an alternative to the two candidates. Kennedy called for a focus on issues rather than demonizing opponents, emphasizing democracy over partisan divides.
The Democratic National Committee criticized Kennedy for downplaying the seriousness of the January 6 insurrection, especially after his campaign referred to defendants as activists. Kennedy’s campaign clarified that his views do not align with the fundraising email language and stated that those who violated the law in connection to January 6 should face appropriate penalties. Kennedy has also argued that Biden poses a greater threat to democracy due to First Amendment concerns.
Kennedy’s statements have sparked controversy and discussions about the handling of the January 6 attack and the prosecution of those involved. While questioning the narrative surrounding the insurrection, Kennedy aims to address what he sees as the politicization of the justice system and promote a focus on democracy and governance in the upcoming election.
