Former Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said Sunday that she does not support former President Trump’s promise to release people jailed for crimes related to the January 6th Capitol riot. .
President Trump has repeatedly promised to pardon people he calls “patriots,” claiming they were imprisoned for political reasons after a violent mob stormed the Capitol.
“Let me be clear: The acts of violence that occurred on January 6th are unacceptable. It does not represent our country. It certainly does not represent my party,” McDaniel said Sunday. , in an interview with Kristen Welker on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
“If someone attacked the Capitol, was abused and was convicted, that should be left alone,” she said.
Mr. McDaniel told Mr. Welker that he only expressed his opposition now because he did not want to disagree with the former president while leading the RNC.
“When you’re the RNC chair, it’s like you’re chairing the entire team,” she said. “Now I can be myself a little more. This is what I believe.”
“I think there should be no violence in our political discussions, whether Republican or Democratic. And I disagree with him on that,” she continued. “I agree with him on many other points. Let’s close the borders. Let’s make sure people have good incomes. Let’s accomplish a lot of great things. But on that point, the Capitol Police… I don’t think the people who violently attacked public officials and attacked the Capitol should be released.”
President Trump’s promise of pardons and “patriot” rhetoric has drawn bipartisan criticism for minimizing political violence.
More than 1,350 people have been arrested on charges related to the Capitol riot, including more than 400 people charged with assaulting police officers. according to to the Department of Justice.
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