Former Vice President Mike Pence, who was present during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, has unequivocally rejected conspiracy theories suggesting government involvement in instigating the events of that fateful day.
In a recent interview, Pence addressed the claims and emphasized the need to rely on facts.
Vice President Pence rejects FBI involvement claims in Capitol riots
Pence firmly dismissed the notion that the FBI or any government entity played a role in instigating the Capitol riots.
He emphasized that he had been repeatedly assured that such allegations were baseless.
“We’ve been assured again and again that it was not the case,” Pence stated in a CNN interview.
Reflecting on the chaos of that day, he expressed his deep frustration at witnessing individuals breaking windows and ransacking the Capitol, stating, “Not this. Not here. Not at the United States Capitol.”
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Political figures and the conspiracy theory
Despite reassurances from multiple sources, a significant portion of the American population holds conspiracy beliefs regarding the Capitol riots.
According to a recent University of Maryland poll, as many as a quarter of Americans and a third of Republicans believe that the FBI or other government influences instigated the events of Jan. 6.
The conspiracy theory has garnered attention and support from Republican figures, including former President Trump, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Sen. Mike Lee, and presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.
VP Pence addresses Capitol riots and calls for facts
However, Mike Pence called on those who believe in these conspiracy theories to examine the available facts.
The FBI and the Department of Justice have been actively involved in investigating and prosecuting individuals involved in the Capitol riots.
Nearly 1,000 people have been convicted of crimes related to the events of Jan. 6, with more than 400 facing charges for assaulting police officers.
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Pence reiterates criticism of Trump’s role in Jan. 6 Capitol riots
Mike Pence, who has been critical of former President Trump’s role in the events of Jan. 6, reiterated his stance that the former president’s words that day were reckless.
He also acknowledged that history would judge Trump’s role in the events.
As the three-year anniversary of the Capitol riots was observed, it became a day marked by renewed calls from Democrats to take the threat of political violence seriously in the lead-up to the 2024 election.
Pence highlights need for facts amid debate over Jan. 6 Capitol riots
At the same time, some Republicans continued to downplay the severity of the violence that unfolded on that day.
Mike Pence’s dismissal of conspiracy theories surrounding the Capitol riots underscores the importance of relying on factual information and addressing baseless claims.
Despite the prevalence of such beliefs, legal actions have been taken to hold individuals accountable for their actions on Jan. 6, and the events of that day continue to be a debate in American politics.
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