Pence rejects claims of FBI involvement in January 6 attack
Mike Pence firmly dismisses the baseless claim that the FBI orchestrated the January 6 Capitol attack, reinforcing the truth and discrediting the conspiracy theory
Mike Pence, the former Vice President, spoke out against the discredited conspiracy theory that the FBI was involved in the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. Speaking to CNN's Jake Tapper on "State of the Union" one day after the third anniversary of the attack, Pence stated that they have been repeatedly assured that this was not the case.
"After witnessing the events of that day, with people breaking windows and ransacking the Capitol, I was truly infuriated. This should not have happened at the United States Capitol," Pence said. He also expressed gratitude for the FBI's efforts to arrest those responsible and called for the attackers to be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law."
He stated that the attack should never have occurred and described the former president's speech that day as irresponsible. He is confident that history will assess the former president's involvement. According to a recent poll by The Washington Post, one-third of Republicans support the conspiracy theory that the FBI initiated the January 6 attack, a claim that was recently echoed by former President Donald Trump.
"The Capitol Hill Police endured great hardship and great harm," Pence said, dismissing those who believe falsehoods. Looking ahead to the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary, the former vice president sees an opportunity for Republicans to bring fresh leadership to the party for the upcoming election and beyond.
Pence was quickly evacuated from the Senate chamber during the Capitol attack as rioters threatened his life and stormed Congress halls. Meanwhile, Trump watched the insurrection unfold from the White House. Following the attack, the two men did not communicate for several days and have since pursued separate paths. This included Inauguration Day for President Joe Biden, when Pence stayed in Washington for the swearing-in ceremony while Trump departed for Florida before the event began.
This story has been updated with additional information.
