U.S. Capitol Police officials survey the area around the Capitol reflecting pool ahead of an expected rally Saturday in support of the Jan. 6 defendants in Washington, U.S. September 16, 2021.
Jonathan Ernst | Reuters
Ex-President Donald Trump, who was impeached for inciting the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, on Thursday condemned the criminal prosecution of hundreds of his supporters who were part of the mob that invaded Congress that day.
Trump’s statement that those people are being “persecuted” came as police in Washington prepared for Saturday’s planned “Justice for J6” rally outside the Capitol, which is being held to support the defendants.
Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-New Jersey, quickly blasted Trump’s statement, accusing the former president of “trying again to gin up insurrection and get people killed.”‘
“I’ve called for trump to be arrested and prosecuted for his Jan 6 treason,” Pascrell…
