Trump Refers to Jan. 6 Prisoners As Hostages, Calls for Their Release

During a Saturday campaign event in Iowa, former President Donald Trump called for the release of individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, referring to them as "hostages."

The event marked the third anniversary of the controversial incident, with many still facing charges or serving behind bars over the events of that day.

Trump demands release of supporters jailed for Jan. 6 Capitol riot: ‘I call them hostages’ https://t.co/5sTngVt8GY

— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 7, 2024

Addressing his supporters, Trump criticized the treatment of those arrested on January 6, 2021, stating that they have been historically mistreated.

He emphasized the term "J6 hostages" to describe them and lamented the severe consequences some may face, including lengthy jail sentences for individuals from diverse professional backgrounds such as doctors, lawyers, carpenters, electricians, and truck drivers.

Trump reminded the audience that he had urged the rioters to "march peacefully and patriotically" on the day of the incident.

He drew a comparison between his initial response to the Capitol riot and the rhetoric of Democratic California Representative Maxine Waters, who, according to Trump, had allegedly encouraged protesters to "kill" Republicans while they were having lunch.

Continuing his narrative, Trump reiterated his belief that the 2020 presidential election was "rigged," asserting that both Antifa and the FBI played a role in leading the events of January 6.

Donald Trump Jr., the former president's son, echoed similar sentiments in a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), referring to the anniversary as "Fake Insurrection Day" and expressing hope that it would inspire people to unite and reclaim their country.

Looking ahead to a potential 2024 presidential run, Trump promised to appoint "strong, highly qualified, pro-Constitution" justices to the Supreme Court who would interpret the law as written.

He highlighted his past appointments of justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett during his previous term, which tilted the court's ideological majority towards conservatism with six conservative justices.

Trump's controversial term for those charged over Jan. 6 marks a new focus on siding with those who entered the Capitol three years ago as he continues his comeback bid for president.