John, former House Speaker and major Trump defender Newt Gingrich just called the House Select Committee investigating the January 6th insurrection a “lynch mob” that’s “pursuing innocent people.” [1]
That’s right: an actual violent mob launched a deadly attack at our Capitol and built a literal gallows for then-Vice President Pence – but Gingrich claims that the public servants trying to ensure this can never happen again are the ones who should “face a real risk of going to jail.”
Gingrich’s comments are appalling – and indicative of the far right’s ongoing efforts to downplay the atrocities that took place last January 6th. We cannot let these partisan operatives evade accountability and bury the truth.
Condemn Newt Gingrich’s outrageous comments – and demand that the House Select Committee investigating the insurrection can do its important work without obstruction >>
Gingrich, who is currently advising GOP congressional leadership ahead of the 2022 midterms, is hardly the only Republican who has tried to minimize the attack. Last year, Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) claimed that a federal investigation into the riot was “harassing peaceful patriots” – and Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA) likened the invasion of the Capitol to a “normal tourist visit.” [2]
John, the fact is: we are up against an authoritarian, anti-democracy movement – many of whom are relying on the threat of future attacks like the one on January 6th to back up their brazen attempts to seize power over the will of voters.
We will not let these power-hungry politicians rewrite history. The events of January 6th showed us just how fragile our democracy can be – but we can protect it by speaking out and holding anyone who tries to undermine this country’s bedrock principles accountable.
Add your name to condemn the egregious comments about the insurrection made by Newt Gingrich and other far-right extremists.
Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY), who serves as Vice Chair of the House Select Committee, tweeted a strong rebuke of Gingrich’s comments, stating: “This is what it looks like when the rule of law unravels.” [3]
We must, in this high-stakes moment, step up and speak out for our democracy.
With thanks for all you do,
Devon Nir, Digital Strategies Manager
and the team at Common Cause
1) https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/gingrich-jan-6-committee-jail-1289408/
2) https://www.thedailybeast.com/gop-lawmakers-claim-trump-supporters-were-the-true-victims-of-capitol-riot
3) https://twitter.com/Liz_Cheney/status/1485332371981406212
