Republican says 'classified briefings' revealed that the Capitol riot was 'much worse than people realized'
Rep. John Katko (R-N.Y.), the first Republican lawmaker to publicly support efforts to impeach former President Donald Trump, is speaking out about the deadly Capitol riots that erupted on Jan. 6 as lawmakers worked to complete the Electoral College certification.
Although the American public watched in shock and dismay as the disturbing series of events unfolded, Katko insists the riots were far worse than reported on television. During an interview with Syracuse.com, Katko shared details about the day of the deadly U.S. Capitol riots.
While he could not offer specific details about the classified briefings he has received, he did reveal that the incident was far worse than reported.
"I've had a lot of classified briefings on it, and it's deeply troubling," Katko told Syracuse.com. "I was left with a profound sense that it was much worse than people realized."
He went on to stress the importance of taking a full objective look at the situation, how the series of events unfolded, and who else should be held accountable.
"We need to have a full stem-to-stern look back on this to see what happened, how it happened, the sequence of events, who contributed to it, and how we make sure it never happens again," he said.
Katko's latest remarks come just weeks after he spoke out against Trump's rhetoric and antics. He noted the president's misinformation campaigns on social media and his speech during the "Save America" rally that provoked the Capitol siege as he stressed the importance of holding the president accountable for his actions, according to Newsweek.
He insisted that the former president "deliberately promoted baseless theories that created a combustible environment of misinformation and division."
Katko added, "To allow the president of the United States to incite this attack without consequence is a direct threat to the future of our democracy and to our security."
While the former president has departed from Washington, D.C., he still has a number of legal investigations to contend with in the coming weeks.
- Georgia could see dual runoffs — and keep narrow door open for ... ›
- Republican Liz Cheney issues blistering statement on Trump — and ... ›
- Trump Lost 10 GOP Health Care Votes After Personally Visiting ... ›
- Republican district in Pennsylvania Trump easily won is now a ... ›
- Newly-elected GOP members deny giving 'reconnaissance' tours before Capitol attack. So who did? - Alternet.org ›
- Here are the names of more than 20 GOP lawmakers who attended Trump's rally that led to the Capitol riots - Alternet.org ›
- Man accused of stealing documents from McConnell's office during Capitol riot now facing charges - Alternet.org ›
- Federal prosecutors and former senior DOJ officials agree: Video evidence is damning against Trump - Alternet.org ›
- Top Trump donor -- and Alex Jones -- behind funding for Capitol rally that turned into a riot - Alternet.org ›
- Biden makes unannounced US Capitol visit to pay respects to murdered officer Brian Sicknick - Alternet.org ›
- Former FBI assistant director Frank Figliuzzi: Capitol riot was 'a form of terrorism' - Alternet.org ›
- Here's what caused the 'massive' intelligence failure that let the Capitol riot happen - Alternet.org ›
- Forensic research group confirms Capitol attack was not spontaneous - Alternet.org ›
- 'I don't trust the people above me': Riot squad cops open up about disastrous Capitol insurrection response - Alternet.org ›
- 'From body armor to panic buttons': Lawmakers are stocking up on protective items - Alternet.org ›
- This 'close ally' of Marjorie Taylor Greene was among the Capitol rioters, video shows - Alternet.org ›
- These Capitol riot suspects increased their Trump donations after the election: 'It shows a direct tie' - Alternet.org ›
- Pro-Trump website 'TheDonald' confirms detailed plans to storm Capitol and kill members of Congress - Alternet.org ›
- Demss must fight back against GOP efforts to 'obscure’ the ‘fundamental truths’ surrounding January 6: columnist - Alternet.org ›
- New York's Conservative Party threatens to spurn GOP congressman who voted to impeach Trump - Alternet.org ›
- Democrats move to censure GOP House members who downplay the Capitol riot - Alternet.org ›
- Intelligence agencies gathered the information predicting violence on Jan. 6 — then DHS sat on it - Alternet.org ›
- GOP congressman refuses to shake hand of cop who saved his neck on January 6 - Alternet.org ›
- 'This was a subversion of our military': Former FBI official torches Trump amid latest developments in Jan. 6 investigation - Alternet.org ›
- Trump-loving 'politically incorrect' newspaper editor charged with beating cops at Capitol riot - Alternet.org ›