Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. caused controversy by suggesting that the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol was not a “true insurrection” and expressing concern for the treatment of those charged over the attack. He blamed both establishment parties for using the incident for political gain. Kennedy’s statement came after a fundraising email from his campaign referred to Jan. 6 defendants as “activists” who were “stripped of their Constitutional liberties,” a message his campaign later called an “error” caused by a new contractor. Kennedy claimed he was listening to diverse viewpoints to understand the event and its aftermath.
Kennedy’s statement contained multiple falsehoods about the Capitol attack, including downplaying the violent actions of the mob that included Trump supporters carrying weapons and injuring over 100 police officers. He falsely claimed that the protesters had no plans to seize government control and that Trump had urged them to protest peacefully. Kennedy faced criticism, including from retired officer Michael Fanone who was attacked during the riot, for his comments. Fanone insisted that there is only one truth about the events of Jan. 6 and that anyone lying about it is unfit for office.
Kennedy’s remarks echoed former President Trump’s stance on the Capitol attack, including criticizing prosecutorial efforts against him and calling the attackers “patriots.” Kennedy expressed concern about the possibility that political motivations were behind the prosecution of Jan. 6 defendants and vowed to appoint a special counsel to investigate if elected president. He held both major political parties responsible for exacerbating America’s divisions by using the events of Jan. 6 to justify extreme measures.
Kennedy also stirred controversy by suggesting that President Biden may be a bigger threat to democracy than Trump, citing his own bans from social media during Biden’s administration. Kennedy, who has promoted disproven claims about vaccines, faced social media bans for spreading false information. He argued that despite attempts to overthrow the election being a threat to democracy, Biden’s handling of the First Amendment posed a greater risk. Kennedy’s statements have drawn scrutiny for downplaying the severity of the Capitol attack and aligning with Trump’s narrative about the events of Jan. 6.
Kennedy’s attempts to portray himself as a neutral observer listening to diverse viewpoints on the Capitol attack have been questioned in light of his alignment with Trump’s rhetoric and conspiracy theories. His claims about the events of Jan. 6 have been debunked, and his criticism of the prosecution of defendants reflects a divisive narrative that seeks to downplay the seriousness of the attack. By blaming both major political parties for using Jan. 6 to further their own agendas, Kennedy risks contributing to the ongoing polarization and distrust in American politics. His controversial statements have sparked debate and criticism from those who view his comments as dangerous and irresponsible.
