GOP Rep Ralph Norman Says January 6 Was Made Up': That Was A Staged Thing'

Rep. Ralph Norman said the January 6 insurrection was made up and staged from the beginning. He claimed police actions and lack of prosecutions showed the event was not as remembered by people who saw or participated. He also said a riot occurred but was self-made by members who hate Trump. The remarks came after questions about a new Department of Justice fund of $1.776 billion created through a settlement tied to President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS over a 2019 tax return leak. The Department said the fund would support victims of lawfare and weaponization, raising concerns about whether January 6 rioters could seek redress. The account also notes injuries to more than 140 police officers and about $3 million in Capitol damage.

"Norman was asked by press about the Department of Justice's new $1.776 billion fund set up as part of a settlement of Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the 2019 leak of his tax returns. The Department claimed the fund was meant for victims of lawfare and weaponization to be heard and seek redress, leading many to question whether Jan. 6 rioters could receive money through the fund. When pressed on this possibility, Norman claimed that the insurrection had not taken place in the way it remembered, seen on video, and spoken about by those who saw or actively took part in the riot."

"NORMAN: Look, January 6th was an issue that was made up in the first place. REPORTER: Made up, sir? NORMAN: That was a staged thing from day one. REPORTER: The riot was staged? NORMAN: When you had police officers letting people in the building, when you had people that's not being prosecuted Ray, I forget his name. There's no excuse for that."

"REPORTER: Your colleagues, though, your Republican colleagues ran for their life and barricaded themselves in their chamber. You think they were acting? NORMAN: No, there was a riot there but it was a self made riot by members who hate Trump. It was made up, in my opinion."

"More than 140 police officers were injured on January 6, including sustaining traumatic brain injuries and other lasting ailments. The attack caused approximately $3 million in damage to the Capitol. Trump pardoned approximately 1,500 Jan. 6 defendants and prisoners commuting the sentences of 8 more in the first month of his second term, many of whom have gone on to commit serious crimes."

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