Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) voiced his disagreement with former President Trump’s characterization of the Jan. 6, 2021, rioters at the Capitol, stating his faith in the U.S. judicial system.
In an interview on ABC’s “This Week” with co-host Martha Raddatz, Turner expressed his belief in the ongoing legal process surrounding the Capitol riot cases.
“I don’t believe they’re hostages. I believe in our judicial system, and I believe, though, Martha, as you’ve seen because you reported them, some of these cases have been overturned. Some of the — even the legal construct of the basis of several of these cases have been overturned,” Turner said.
Regarding Trump’s recent remarks about freeing the imprisoned Jan. 6 rioters, whom he referred to as “hostages,” Turner emphasized the importance of the legal process and noted that Trump has strong personal views on the matter.
While Turner declined to describe the defendants as hostages, he also noted that Trump did not call for the storming of the Capitol on that day.
Turner, who chairs the House Intelligence Committee, highlighted the complexities of the legal cases and their emotional impact on those involved.
According to the Justice Department, over 1,358 defendants have been charged in connection with the Jan. 6 attacks, with approximately 497 sentenced to periods of incarceration.