This week, as anticipation builds over the possible arrest of former President Trump, protests and divisions have emerged, evoking memories of the January 6 Capitol insurrection. Meanwhile, key rioters involved in the January 6 attack are being held accountable as they face sentencing for their roles in the violent event. In a separate development, Capitol Police have revealed that Tucker Carlson and the GOP aired unapproved January 6 surveillance footage without their consent, contrary to their claims. These events highlight the ongoing impact of the Capitol riot on the nation’s political landscape and the importance of ensuring justice, transparency, and accountability in the face of unrest and misinformation.
Here’s what you need to know for the weekend:
Main Points for the Weekend:
1. Trump’s Arrest Anticipation Sparks Protests and Division, Fueling Echoes of January 6
As former President Donald Trump anticipates his arrest and calls for protests, the nation braces for potential unrest reminiscent of the January 6 Capitol attack. Trump’s prediction of an imminent indictment and the “death and destruction” that would follow has amplified divisions within the GOP and incited mixed reactions among far-right supporters. While some cities, like New York, prepare for possible violence, others witness anti-Trump demonstrators outnumbering MAGA supporters. Federal officials remain cautious, monitoring online rhetoric but noting a lack of coordination or actionable information compared to the lead-up to January 6. Amid the uncertainty, Trump’s influence on moderate conservatives has reportedly waned, with many questioning whether his remarks are mere bravado or a genuine reflection of his mindset.
- Top point to make: Donald Trump’s reaction to reports of his potential indictment demonstrates a dangerous disregard for the consequences of his actions and highlights that he has not learned from the January 6 Capitol attack. By invoking divisive language, Trump is undermining the integrity of the legal system and further endangering our democracy. His continued influence on a segment of the population, despite waning support from moderate conservatives, poses a challenge to the nation’s ability to heal and move forward from past turmoil.
- If you read one thing: Washington Post, 3/23/23: As indictment looms, Trump criticizes calls for peace. Donald Trump’s history of suggestive allusions to endorsing violence by his supporters is well chronicled. But rarely have his comments been this unvarnished at such a fraught time. With his potential indictment looming in Manhattan, the former president on Thursday criticized those who have called for his supporters to remain peaceful. “EVERYBODY KNOWS I’M 100% INNOCENT, INCLUDING BRAGG,” Trump said on Truth Social, referring to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. “BUT HE DOESN’T CARE. HE IS JUST CARRYING OUT THE PLANS OF THE RADICAL LEFT LUNATICS. OUR COUNTRY IS BEING DESTROYED, AS THEY TELL US TO BE PEACEFUL!” While not explicitly urging his supporters to get violent, the seeming message here is that a peaceful response might be insufficient. To label it a dog whistle would be an understatement. Trump is standing next to a tinderbox and casually lighting a match.
2. Accountability for January 6th: Key Rioters Sentenced for Roles in Capitol Insurrection
Justice is being served as key participants in the January 6th insurrection face sentencing for their roles in the Capitol riot. Among those sentenced are Anthony Puma, a Michigan resident who recorded his actions with a GoPro and received nine months in prison; Geoffrey Sills, a Virginia man who violently attacked police officers and was given 52 months; and Georgia attorney William McCall Calhoun, who was convicted of felony and misdemeanor charges for his involvement in the insurrection. Finally, on Thursday, a Pennsylvania woman named Riley June Williams, who steered a group of rioters toward Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office on Jan. 6, 2021, was sentenced to three years in prison. These cases highlight the continued efforts by law enforcement and the justice system to hold accountable those who participated in the Capitol riot and endangered our democracy.
- Top point to make: It is encouraging to witness law enforcement and the justice system taking the January 6th insurrection seriously, diligently working to hold accountable those who participated in the violent event that threatened to undermine a lawful election. By pursuing and sentencing individuals involved in the Capitol riot, the justice system demonstrates its commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the sanctity of the democratic process. This robust response also serves as a powerful deterrent for future attempts to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power and helps restore public faith in the institutions that form the backbone of American democracy.
- If you read one thing: Washington Post, 3/21/23: Va. man who fiercely attacked police in Jan. 6 riot sentenced to 52 months. U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden has sentenced 30 defendants for their role in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol. As Geoffrey Sills, 31, of Virginia stood before him Tuesday, McFadden said, “Of all the January 6th defendants I’ve sentenced to date, your conduct is the most troubling, the most outrageous.” Sills wore a full gas mask, goggles and gloves into the Capitol that day, entered the lower West Terrace tunnel and flashed a strobe light in the eyes of officers. He swiped a baton from one officer and then smashed him and other officers with it as the battle raged inside the tunnel. One of the officers retired as a result of his injuries. Once he left the Capitol, Sills posted photos of himself attacking the police. After he was arrested in June 2021, prosecutors said his family raised over $25,000 for the legal fees to take on a government that is “simply bent on punishing patriots who truly love this country.”
3. Capitol Police Rebuffed: Tucker Carlson Aired Unapproved Jan 6 Footage
Despite claims made by Tucker Carlson and the GOP, the Capitol Police were not permitted to review the majority of January 6 surveillance footage aired on Fox News. Capitol Police general counsel Thomas DiBiase stated in a sworn affidavit that, out of over 40 riot clips shown on Carlson’s show, only one was reviewed and approved by Capitol Police. The remaining footage was aired without their consent, contrary to Carlson’s assertions. House Republicans reportedly ignored Capitol Police’s repeated requests to review and approve all footage before public release. The situation has forced the Capitol Police to disclose private interactions with members and staffers in open court as part of a January 6 criminal case.
- Top point to make: Airing unreviewed footage from the January 6 insurrection is highly irresponsible and demonstrates a blatant disregard for law enforcement officers who were put in harm’s way during the attack. By bypassing the Capitol Police’s request to review and approve the footage, the perpetrators of this act not only undermine the authority of law enforcement but also potentially jeopardize ongoing investigations and legal proceedings. Furthermore, this action disrespects the sacrifices made by officers who risked their lives to protect the Capitol and the democratic process. In the interest of justice, accountability, and honoring the service of law enforcement officers, it is crucial to ensure that any footage released to the public is reviewed and authorized by the appropriate authorities.
- If you read one thing: ABC, 3/18/23: Despite Tucker Carlson’s claim, Capitol Police say they didn’t review Jan. 6 footage aired by Fox News. A new court filing claims that most of the U.S. Capitol Jan. 6 surveillance footage aired last week by Fox News host Tucker Carlson, which he used to downplay the seriousness of the attack, was aired without the approval of the U.S. Capitol Police — despite Carlson’s claims to the contrary. Capitol Police general counsel Thomas DiBiase said in a sworn affidavit filed in D.C. federal court Friday that despite DiBiase’s requests to a senior Republican staffer that he review every clip from the USCP’s internal system that would be made public, he was shown and approved “only one clip” that Carlson ultimately aired on his show last Monday and Tuesday. “Since that clip was substantially similar to a clip used in [former President Donald Trump’s second] Impeachment Trial and was publicly available, I approved the use of the clip,” DiBiase said. “The other approximately 40 clips, which were not from the Sensitive List [of cameras deemed the most sensitive], were never shown to me nor anyone else from the Capitol Police.”
Expert Voices
Noah Bookbinder, president of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW): “Indicting a former president is not something that only happens in “banana republics.” It’s not even an unusual feature of strong democracies. In fact, it’s a sign that accountability in a democracy is working as it should.” Tweet
Norm Eisen, special counsel to the House Judiciary Committee during the first impeachment proceedings and trial of Trump, re: Donald Trump posting baseball bat photo of Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg: “Sickening threat of & call for violence[.] Even the Mob wouldn’t do this[.] As bad as & maybe worse in its way than “will be wild” tweet[.] Threatening a prosecutor is a crime in NY[.]” Tweet
Ruth Ben-Ghiat, professor of history and Italian studies at New York University: “Look for DeSantis to double down on the autocratic ways that have paid off for him…the governor’s statement in his victory speech that “Florida is where woke goes to die” is chilling. It is a declaration of war on all Americans who support reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, freedom of education — and voting rights, the bedrock of democracy.” MSNBC Op-Ed: DeSantis follows in Trump’s authoritarian footsteps
Joyce Vance, former US attorney: “I don’t find any joy in the prospect of indicting a former President, and certainly none in the fact that there are multiple criminal investigations into his conduct under way. It’s an enormously sad moment for our country. That doesn’t mean that justice shouldn’t be done—it must be. But for me, at least, it’s more a somber moment of reflection than one for busting out the champagne. I hope we won’t become a country of people chanting, “Lock him up.” It would be as distasteful and anti-democratic when aimed at Trump as it was when he aimed it at Hillary Clinton and others. Let’s let our justice system work: slow, imperfect, but still essential to the rule of law. If the system works, we continue to be a country governed by laws, not the whims of men. Let’s not permit Trump to change who we are.” Civil Discourse
