Demonstrators at the Justice for J6 rally blasted Republicans in Congress for their refusal to attend Saturday’s demonstration billed by organizers as a civil rights …
Demonstrators at the Justice for J6 rally blasted Republicans in Congress for their refusal to attend Saturday’s demonstration billed by organizers as a civil rights assembly. The rally, led by former Trump campaign operative Matt Braynard, was attended by roughly 400 to 450 protesters and members of the press, but sitting lawmakers were noticeably absent. Though the event brought in far fewer people than anticipated, the absence of any officeholders was met with fury by attendants who thought members were ignoring their cause. “Where’s McCarthy? Where’s McConnell? They’re all useless,” one demonstrator in the crowd yelled. Steve Merkel of Baltimore who attended the rally called Republicans “cowards,” and said it was wrong that no one came out to support nonviolent offenders charged over the riot. “They’re cowards because they’re not standing up for those constitutional rights,” Mr. Merkel said. “They’re supposed to be protected. I call them political animals who are afraid of bad media coverage.” Republicans distanced themselves from the event, which was viewed largely by Washington as a potential security threat. Upon news of the rally, House Minority leader Kevin McCarthy said earlier this month that he did not expect any of his members to make an appearance.
