GOP Rep. Gosar Promotes More Jan. 6 Conspiracy Theories In Campaign Email
Topline
The campaign of Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) on Friday sent out an email to supporters promoting multiple conspiracy theories about the January 6 attack on the Capitol, further solidifying his reputation as one of Congress’ most prolific downplayers of the attack.
Key Facts
The email, flagged by Washington Post reporter Mike DeBonis, says that the Federal Bureau of Investigation “might have had a hand in planning and carrying out” the riot.
That unsubstantiated conspiracy theory, based on the existence of unindicted co-conspirators in January 6 cases, has also been promoted by Reps. Louie Gohmert (R-Tex.), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.).
The email also reiterates Gosar’s belief that Ashli Babbitt, who attempted to storm the House chamber, was a victim of the riot rather than a perpetrator, stating she was “the only person murdered that day.”
Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick died from multiple strokes a day after responding to the riot, D.C.’s medical examiner found, noting that “all that transpired played a role in his condition.”
The email repeatedly highlighted Babbitt’s military service, referring to her as a “senior airman” and a “war veteran and mother,” claiming she was “executed in cold blood by an unidentified killer.”
Crucial Quote
“Despite the attacks from the crazed left, I will not stop asking questions until I get truthful answers about the events of that day,” the email says.
Key Background
Babbitt was shot by an unidentified law enforcement officer who believed it was “necessary to do so in self-defense or in defense of the Members of Congress and others evacuating the House Chamber,” the Department of Justice found in April, declining to prosecute or identify the officer. Former President Donald Trump on Thursday joined a chorus of right-wing voices calling for the officer to be unmasked.
Tangent
Gosar and several other right-wing lawmakers have attempted to downplay the severity of the attack in recent months. Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.) compared the attack to a “normal tourist visit” in April, while Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said in March he “wasn’t concerned” about being harmed by rioters.
What To Watch For
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy has not yet announced his appointments to a recently formed select committee to probe the attack, but several lawmakers who have downplayed the attack have been among the only Republicans in jockeying for the position. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said she reserves the right to block McCarthy’s picks.
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