" rel="tag">Donald defends Jan 6 rioters ahead of 'Justice for J6' rally

" rel="tag">Donald defends Jan 6 rioters ahead of 'Justice for J6' rally
Donald Trump defends Jan 6 rioters ahead of 'Justice for J6' rally

Donald Trump on Thursday defended the January 6th rioters being prosecuted for their storming of the Capitol building, saying they were being 'persecuted so unfairly' for protesting the 'rigged presidential election.'

His defense of them comes two days before Saturday's 'Justice for J6' rally, which is being held to protest the federal charges the MAGA supporters are facing for the insurrection.

'Our hearts and minds are with the people being persecuted so unfairly relating to the January 6th protest concerning the Rigged Presidential Election. In addition to everything else, it has proven conclusively that we are a two-tiered system of justice. In the end, however, JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL!,' Trump said in a statement.

The former president has repeatedly and falsely the 2020 election was stolen from him as a result of massive election fraud. He faced a second impeachment trial - and was acquitted - on charges he helped incite the January 6th riot. 

He gave a fiery speech outside the White House on January 6th, shortly before his MAGA supporters stormed Capitol Hill. The former president will spend the Saturday of the rally at a golf tournament at his Bedminster, N.J., club, the New York Times reported.

His statement comes as Republicans distancing themselves from the event as fencing goes up around the Capitol building and the National Guard are on stand by.

Security fencing and barriers were installed late Wednesday as authorities prepare for the crowd. 

Donald Trump defended the January 6th rioters being prosecuted for their storming of the Capitol building - above the former president speaking at a rally outside of the White House on the morning of January 6th

Donald Trump defended the January 6th rioters being prosecuted for their storming of the Capitol building - above the former president speaking at a rally outside of the White House on the morning of January 6th

Fencing has been reinstalled around the Capitol ahead of Saturday's rally

Fencing has been reinstalled around the Capitol ahead of Saturday's rally

A U.S. Capitol Police officer patrols the East Plaza of the Capitol after fencing was put up overnight ahead of Saturday's 'Justice for J6' rally

A U.S. Capitol Police officer patrols the East Plaza of the Capitol after fencing was put up overnight ahead of Saturday's 'Justice for J6' rally

Around 700 people are expected for Saturday's rally, which is to protest the federal charges against those who stormed the Capitol on January 6

Around 700 people are expected for Saturday's rally, which is to protest the federal charges against those who stormed the Capitol on January 6

Republicans are distancing themselves from the rally as security measures go into place around the Capitol

Republicans are distancing themselves from the rally as security measures go into place around the Capitol

U.S. Capitol Police officials survey the area around the Capitol reflecting pool ahead of Saturday's rally

U.S. Capitol Police officials survey the area around the Capitol reflecting pool ahead of Saturday's rally

U.S. Capitol Police said the National Guard are on standby - a preventative measure and a reassurance after there was a delay in activating the DC guard on the day of the insurrection. 

'The USCP has asked the Department of Defense for the ability to receive National Guard support should the need arise on September 18,' USCP said in a statement on Wednesday.

Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said Wednesday the officers asked the Department of Defense 'for the ability to receive National Guard support should the need arise on September 18'.

House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy said that he did not expect any Republican lawmaker to attend Saturday's rall

House GOP Leader Kevin

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