Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. issued a statement on Friday attempting to clarify his stance on the Jan. 6 Capitol riots, stating that both Democrats and Republicans are using the event to deepen America’s divisions. Kennedy’s campaign disavowed a fundraising email that referred to the rioters as “activists,” emphasizing that while many protestors broke the law, there is little evidence of a true insurrection, according to Trump opponents.
Kennedy expressed concerns about the political motivations behind prosecution efforts related to the Capitol riots, hinting at the weaponization of government agencies against political opponents. He announced plans to appoint a special counsel if he becomes president to investigate whether prosecutorial discretion was abused for political ends in the Capitol riot cases, promising to address any wrongs that are discovered.
This is not the first time Kennedy has downplayed the severity of the Capitol riots. In a previous instance, he questioned the potential consequences of the riots, mentioning the proximity of the Pentagon, suggesting that the military could intervene if necessary. Despite his attempts to clarify his stance, Kennedy’s remarks have been met with criticism, especially in light of the events of Jan. 6, 2021.
More than 1,256 individuals have been charged with various crimes in connection to the Capitol riots, including charges related to assaulting officers or employees, using weapons, and causing bodily harm. Trump, on the other hand, has expressed support for the rioters, referring to them as “hostages” in a post on Truth Social and pledging to free them if reelected as president. Trump and his allies have repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and claimed that the efforts to prosecute them are politically motivated.
The Capitol riots, which involved over 2,000 Trump supporters storming the Capitol building in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election, have had lasting repercussions. The House Jan. 6 committee concluded that Trump was responsible for inciting the riots, resulting in a recommendation that he be barred from serving in office. Trump is facing federal charges for his role in attempting to overturn the election, with oral arguments scheduled to be heard by the Supreme Court. Former Trump aides, Peter Navarro and Steve Bannon, have also been sentenced to prison for defying congressional subpoenas related to the Capitol riots.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Kennedy’s remarks on the Capitol riots have drawn scrutiny and raised questions about his position on the events of Jan. 6, 2021. While attempting to distance himself from the fundraising email that referred to the rioters as “activists,” Kennedy’s statements have reignited discussions about the impact and aftermath of the Capitol riots and the ongoing legal proceedings against those involved.
