WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former Vice President Mike Pence said Friday that individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol who assaulted police officers, damaged government property, or attempted to disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election should neither have been pardoned nor receive compensation from the federal government.
Speaking on HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher, Pence distinguished between individuals who were merely present at the Capitol and those who engaged in violent or unlawful conduct. While expressing support for some pardons issued by President Donald Trump, Pence argued that violent offenders should remain accountable for their actions.
“I had no problem with the president pardoning people who got caught up in that day,” Pence said. “But for anyone who assaulted a police officer, anybody that violated and vandalized the seat of our government and sought to disrupt the counting of electoral college votes, those people never should have been pardoned and they should never get a dime.”
The comments come amid controversy surrounding a proposed $1.776 billion “anti-weaponization” fund that emerged from a settlement involving Trump and the Internal Revenue Service. Critics raised concerns that some January 6 defendants could potentially seek compensation through the fund. The Trump administration has since abandoned the proposal following bipartisan criticism and legal challenges.
Pence has frequently criticized attempts to revise public understanding of the Capitol attack. He also said he was offended by previous efforts to shift responsibility for the riot onto Capitol Police officers rather than those who breached the Capitol and disrupted congressional proceedings.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
