Capitol police brace for new ‘huge’ MAGA protest backing 6 January rioters
Comes as Trump’s former data chief says they plan on ‘going back to the Capitol.’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.US Capitol Police said they are aware of a proposed rally that supporters of former president Donald Trump are planning in support of people who were arrested in connection to the insurrection on 6 January.
Matt Braynard, who was the data chief for Mr Trump’s campaign, told former White House strategist Steve Bannon on Mr Bannon’s podcast about a planned rally at the Capitol on behalf of “political prisoners” who were arrested for their actions on 6 January.
“We’re going back to the Capitol, right where it started. And it’s going to be huge,” Mr Braynard said. “We’re going to push back on the phony narrative that there was an insurrection.”
A spokesperson for the US Capitol Police said they cannot provide permits or details about security plans.
“We are aware of the proposed rally,” the spokesperson said.
The announcement comes after news this week that two additional officers who responded to the Capitol insurrection died by suicide.
Mr Braynard told Mr Bannon that the day was “largely peaceful” and that rioters were “egged on in many cases by the Capitol Police.”
Police officers who tried to push back against the rioters testified last week at the first hearing of the select committee to investigate the events of 6 January.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments