A new book is claiming that Mitt Romney warned Mitch McConnell of a looming threat of violence on the eve of the January 6 Capitol incident, telling the Senate Republican leader that there were calls to “burn down” his residence.
The details of Romney’s private correspondence with the Kentucky statesman are featured in the upcoming book “Romney: A Reckoning” by The Atlantic’s McKay Coppins, one excerpt of which was published this week.
“There are calls to burn down your home, Mitch,” Romney said. “To smuggle guns into DC, and to storm the Capitol.”
Romney’s concerns didn’t end there. He expressed further apprehension about the security measures in place.
“I hope that sufficient security plans are in place, but I am concerned that the instigator — the President (Donald Trump) — is the one who commands the reinforcements the DC and Capitol police might require,” Romney said.
McConnell, however, remained silent and did not acknowledge Romney’s warning as indicated by the excerpt from the upcoming book.
The Capitol riot’s aftermath was devastating. Even though McConnell’s residence was spared, the Capitol itself suffered damages amounting to $2.7 million. A staggering 140 police officers faced assault, as reported by the Department of Justice.
Donald Trump, the former president, faced significant consequences. Authorities indicted him following a federal investigation into his attempts to reverse the 2020 election results. Furthermore, during his last days in office, he faced impeachment charges for “incitement of insurrection.”
The day the defeat of Trump’s 2020 election was being certified, he made two posts on X, previously known as Twitter. He urged his followers to uphold peace, respect the law and support the Capitol Police.
“I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!” — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021.
The repercussions for the Capitol rioters were severe. Over 1,100 protesters faced charges. Several riot leaders now face extended prison terms. Notably, Proud Boys leaders Enrique Tarrio and Joe Biggs received sentences of 22 years and 17 years, respectively.
This information, revealing the forewarning and the subsequent events, is sourced from the first excerpt of Coppins’s book. The book’s release followed shortly after Romney’s announcement of his retirement from the Senate at the end of his term.
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