On Tuesday, Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) made a dramatic appearance at the D.C. Central Detention Facility, where she called for the immediate release of individuals she referred to as “the January 6th hostages” and offered to personally guide them on a tour of the U.S. Capitol. Her remarks followed President Donald Trump’s controversial decision to pardon numerous January 6 rioters.
Speaking at an impromptu news conference outside the detention center, Boebert railed against what she described as a media smear campaign and injustices against the rioters. “I regret what the media did to lie about the events of that day,” she declared. “I regret that the American people weren’t allowed to know how many federal agents were present in the crowd.”
She continued to voice her grievances, lamenting the hardships faced by those who participated in the Capitol riot. “I regret the livelihoods that were lost, the time that has been spent locked up unjustly, the amount of time in court and on probation, and defending yourself against something that they shouldn’t have had to defend,” Boebert said.
Boebert then suggested that Trump’s election was vindication for the rioters’ actions. “And if there’s another regret, I’m sure it’s only on the Democrats who are regretting that they didn’t just shut up because now they’re finding out,” she said. “They messed around, if you will, for four years, and now they’re finding out.”
Before leaving for the Capitol, Boebert promised to return to the jail to witness the rioters’ release and offered them a unique invitation. “I want to see them for their release, and you know, I’ll be the first member of Congress to offer them a guided tour in the Capitol tonight,” she insisted.
Boebert’s remarks come amid heated debate surrounding Trump’s pardons for those involved in the January 6 insurrection, many of whom faced charges for violent actions against law enforcement and breaching the Capitol. Critics have condemned the pardons as undermining the rule of law, while supporters like Boebert argue the individuals were unjustly prosecuted.
The congresswoman’s promise to offer tours of the Capitol to the pardoned rioters has further fueled controversy, as it evokes memories of allegations that some lawmakers provided reconnaissance tours to individuals who later participated in the insurrection.