Donald Trump and Capitol riots: The build-up to the insurrection

Donald Trump, the former United States President, has often been linked to the January 6 Capitol riots in Washington DC by various Congress members, federal executives and even the White House. The House Select Committee— charged with investigating the incident– has also released various text messages hinting at Trump’s involvement in the riots.

Here are some things Trump said publically while his supporters were building up to the insurrection:

December 12: “Wow! Thousands of people forming in Washington (D.C.) for Stop the Steal. Didn’t know about this, but I’ll be seeing them! #MAGA.”, Trump wrote in a tweet.

December 19: The former President responded to a report from Peter Navarro, his adviser, that claimed election fraud in the 2020 elections. He wrote on Twitter, “A great report by Peter. Statistically impossible to have lost the 2020 Election. Big protest in D.C. on January 6th. Be there, will be wild!”, according to reports from Poynter Institute.

December 27: “See you in Washington, DC, on January 6th. Don’t miss it. Information to follow!”, Trump wrote.

January 1, 2021: While promoting the ‘Stop the Steal’ phrase, Trump wrote, “The BIG Protest Rally in Washington, D.C., will take place at 11.00 A.M. on January 6th. Locational details to follow. StopTheSteal!.”

Also Read: Biden administration vows to hold Capitol riot perpetrators legally accountable

Trump was later seen reeling his support for the protestors shortly after violence broke in Washington DC, however, his tweets never fully condemned the rioters. Here is what he said publically during and after the incident:

January 6, 2:28 PM: “Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful.”

In a video statement released shortly after his tweet, the former President said, “We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. You’re very special.” He ended the day with a tweet that read, “Remember this day forever!.”