Washington, D.C. – D.C. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth recently condemned the attempt to downplay the January 6, 2021, insurrection during the sentencing of a participant convicted of multiple crimes. Judge Lamberth expressed his outrage at the effort to elevate the rioters to the status of “hostages,” emphasizing that such actions should not be normalized. This is not the first time Judge Lamberth has spoken out against the attempt to rewrite history surrounding the events of that day. In a previous sentencing memo, he called the insurrection a riot and emphasized the lasting trauma it caused to the nation.
During the hearing for violent criminal Taylor James Johnatakis, who was convicted of obstruction of an official proceeding, civil disorder, and assaulting, resisting, or impeding police officers, Judge Lamberth delivered a powerful message. He stressed that condoning the January 6 U.S. Capitol riot is unacceptable and warned of a dangerous cycle that could jeopardize institutions if Americans resort to vigilantism and anarchy in response to future election results. Lamberth emphasized that such violence is selfish and should have no place in the country.
The support shown by a major political party, its presumptive nominee, and millions of Americans for the insurrectionists is deeply troubling. By embracing and lionizing the violent rioters, they raise doubts about the compatibility of Trumpism and American democracy. Furthermore, former President Trump’s promise to pardon those involved in the events of January 6 only reinforces the perception that he supports lawbreaking.
It is disheartening to witness a candidate running for the highest office in the land promoting and glorifying criminal actions. The job of the president requires a commitment to preserving and defending the Constitution, something that Trump’s support for the insurrectionists undermines. The Supreme Court may not disqualify him based on his participation in the attempted coup, but voters can certainly consider whether a candidate who incites and promises to free insurrectionists can fulfill the duties of the presidency.
Former congresswoman Liz Cheney has warned about the dangers of electing Trump again, highlighting his refusal to guarantee a peaceful transfer of power and his willingness to subvert the Constitution. Upholding democracy and protecting the integrity of the constitutional system require rejecting the normalization of such behavior. Failing to do so would align with monstrous liars who are willing to disregard the principles outlined in the Constitution.
In conclusion, Judge Lamberth’s condemnation of the attempt to downplay the January 6 insurrection highlights the ongoing challenges America faces in reckoning with the events of that day. The support for the insurrectionists from a major political party and its presumptive nominee raises concerns about the future of American democracy. It is crucial for voters to consider the implications of electing a candidate who embraces lawbreaking and fails to honor the principles enshrined in the Constitution.