“Instead of saying, ‘stop the attack,’ he kept saying ‘stop the steal.’”

WASHINGTON, DC—In response to House impeachment managers’ presentation of evidence today, People For the American Way President Ben Jealous released the following statement:

“Today’s presentation of evidence by the House impeachment managers once again brought home in chilling detail the violence and bloodshed caused by Donald Trump in the deadly January 6 attack at the U.S. Capitol. Representative Raskin and his team combined powerful and disturbing video footage, previously unseen by the public, with a timeline of evidence that showed how Trump strategically doubled down on language that intentionally inflamed far-right extremists and instructed them to act violently in hopes of overturning the will of the American people. He abandoned his duties as commander in chief and instead became inciter in chief, ultimately endangering the lives of law enforcement protecting the Capitol, members of Congress and even his own vice president. He had no shame and was ruthless in his pursuit of holding on to power at all cost. Even after the attack, he continued to spread the big lie of a ‘stolen election.’ Instead of saying, ‘stop the attack,’ he kept saying ‘stop the steal’ as our nation was under attack. His recklessness cost lives. He must be held accountable for inciting an attack on our government and our nation, and he should never again hold office.”

About People For the American Way

People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org