Former Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel does not believe those imprisoned for participating in the January 6 Capitol riot should be freed, breaking with former president Donald Trump, who has made the alleged injustice done to the Capitol rioters a centerpiece of his recent campaign rallies.
McDaniel discussed the January 6th prisoners during an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press that aired on Sunday after the network brought McDaniel on as a paid contributor.
“I do not think people who committed violent acts on Jan. 6 should be free,” McDaniel told host Kristen Welker. She called the violence on January 6 “unacceptable” and said it “doesn’t represent our country.”
Over 1,300 defendants have been charged in the more than three years since the Capitol riot took place, according to the Justice Department. Approximately 486 defendants have been charged for attacking police officers at the Capitol. Nearly 800 individuals have pled guilty to federal charges, including 238 guilty pleas for felony crimes.
“If you attacked our Capitol and … you’ve been convicted, then that should stay,” McDaniel added. She said she does not hold Trump responsible for what happened on January 6 and explained why she did not criticize Trump sooner for his vow to release the Capitol riot prisoners should he be reelected.
“When you’re the RNC chair, you kind of take one for the whole team, right? Now I get to be a little bit more myself,” McDaniel admitted. She also admitted President Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election fairly.
