'Disgrace to his name': Internet fumes at RFK Jr for questioning Jan 6 attack prosecution and wanting to hear 'every side'

WASHINGTON, DC: Independent presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr has questioned the prosecution of rioters who unleashed a violent attack at the Capitol building on January 6, 2021, claiming it might be politically motivated, the Associated Press reported.

Kennedy released the lengthy statement on Friday, April 5, a day after he came under fire for sympathizing with the rioters in a fundraising email where he labeled them "activists" who have been "stripped of their constitutional liberties." However, his team quickly walked back on the email, saying it was an error.

He aligned with former President Donald Trump's stance, saying he is “concerned about the possibility that political objectives motivated the vigor of the prosecution of the J6 defendants," and added, "I want to hear every side."

Robert F Kennedy Jr partially criticizes Donald Trump

The nephew of former President John F Kennedy partially called out Trump, saying the Capitol attack took place with his "encouragement" and "in the context of his delusion that the election was stolen from him."

He further promised to appoint a special counsel if he becomes president to investigate whether Trump supporters were unfairly targetted in the prosecution, "and I will right any wrongs that we discover."

Trump has frequently expressed his empathy with the imprisoned Jan 6 rioters, calling them "hostages" and vowing to pardon them as a day-one priority if he wins a second White House term.

Three years into the attack, more than 1,265 defendants were arrested across 50 states for stirring up the riot, according to the Department of Justice.

Robert F Kennedy Jr falsely claims Jan 6 rioters carried no weapons

In his statement, Kennedy falsely claimed that none of the attackers carried any weapons. However, as per the Department of Justice, nearly 123 individuals have been charged as of January 6, 2024, for using a deadly weapon or seriously injuring an officer.

The environmental lawyer turned presidential contender withdrew the argument in another statement Friday evening, writing, "My understanding that none of the January 6 rioters who invaded the capitol were carrying firearms was incorrect. Several have been convicted of carrying firearms into the Capitol building. Others assaulted Capitol police with pepper spray, bludgeons, and other makeshift weapons."

"This behavior is inexcusable. I have never minimized or dismissed the seriousness of the riot or any crime committed on that day," Kennedy added.

His independent race could significantly impact the 2024 presidential election as Democrats fear he might take away President Joe Biden's votes in key battleground states, leading to Trump's victory in November, as per ABC News.

Internet slams Robert F Kennedy Jr

Netizens criticized Kennedy for wanting to hear all sides in the Jan 6 prosecution, doubting it as politically motivated.

One user wrote, "He’s a disgrace to his name."

"Seriously? What drivel. There is a venue to hear all sides. It’s called a Courtroom," another user remarked.

One individual added, "Well then he should have listened to the trials or maybe, just spitballing here, go back and read the transcripts of the trials?" Another response read, "This guy is as detached from reality as Donald."

"This guy becomes more and more of a clown by the hour," someone else said. Another person claimed, "He might be more stupid than Trump."

One user wrote on Facebook, "This guy is only in the race to throw votes away from President Biden.Very dirty trick. So sad for a Kennedy to do this. Just sayin," and another person added, "A Trump minion. Every time he speaks proves why you shouldn't vote for him."

"He’s a clown. Join trump in the losers aisle," another comment read.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.