Hi, Since January 6 insurrection, more than 1,000 people have been charged for crimes and hundreds have been found guilty.1 However, of elected officials who planned or participated in the deadly riot at the Capitol, only a tiny fraction have faced any consequence whatsoever. The 14th Amendment explicitly bans anyone who has “engaged in insurrection or rebellion” against the United States from serving in elective office, including state legislature, Congress, or even the presidency. It’s past time for insurrectionists to be investigated for their roles on January 6, including congressional Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Paul Gosar and North Carolina Rep. Donnie Loftis. And, if it’s found that they violated the 14th Amendment, they should be removed from office.
Enforcing the insurrectionist clause of the 14th Amendment is not some fringe idea. A New Mexico court did so when it banned a January 6 rioter and county commissioner from ever holding office again.2 Others should be held to the same standard. According to news reports, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia participated in planning sessions and exhorted the crowd gathered before the riot, repeating lies of election fraud and saying, "This is our 1776 moment."3 Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona also helped plan the attack. One big tell: He asked for a “blanket pardon” before it happened, suggesting he knew it was illegal.4 North Carolina State Rep. Donnie Loftis admitted after January 6 that he joined the riot and was "at the entrance when they breached the door."5 It’s up to us to educate the public and demand a thorough investigation of these Republicans — and every other politician who appeared to violate their oath to the Constitution on January 6. If the facts are confirmed, they should be expelled and barred from running for office ever again. With gratitude for all that you do, Sources: PAID FOR BY DEMAND PROGRESS (DemandProgress.org) and not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. Contributions are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Join our online community on Facebook or Twitter. You can unsubscribe from this list at any time. |