Former Vice President Mike Pence has publicly rejected the conspiracy theory, endorsed by Donald Trump, that the FBI and Antifa orchestrated the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
Speaking with CNN’s Jake Tapper in Tel Aviv, Pence expressed his indignation towards the attack and praised the FBI’s efforts in apprehending those involved. He criticized Trump’s rhetoric on the day of the attack as reckless and detrimental.
Despite Pence’s denunciation and lack of evidence supporting Trump’s claims, the former president continues to promote this narrative. At a recent rally in Iowa, Trump insinuated the involvement of Antifa and the FBI in the Capitol riot, while expressing sympathy for those arrested and labeling them as “hostages.”
He also criticized their treatment, calling it one of the saddest events in U.S. history, and reiterated his belief in a rigged election.
This ongoing debate occurs as the Justice Department has charged over 1,200 individuals in connection with the Capitol riot, with more than 700 pleading guilty to various federal charges.
The attack, marking its third anniversary, resulted in the deaths of four rioters and five police officers, leaving many injured. Democratic Rep Jamie Raskin also commented on the conspiracy theory, questioning the rationale behind Trump’s desire to pardon individuals supposedly linked to the FBI and Antifa.