Witness says Trump knew Jan. 6 rioters had weapons: 'They're not here to hurt me'
Former President Donald Trump said on Jan. 6, 2021, that he didn't care that his supporters had weapons and that he wanted the Secret Service to allow them into his rally, a witness has testified.
Cassidy Hutchinson, former aide to former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, told the Jan. 6 committee that Trump was upset the day of the Capitol riot that the Secret Service was screening attendees of his rally for weapons. "He wanted it full, and he was angry that we weren't letting people through the mags with weapons," she said, referring to magnetometers used to screen for weapons. Trump spoke at a rally in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6 prior to his supporters storming the Capitol in an attempt to prevent Congress from certifying the election results.
Hutchinson added that she overheard the formre president saying he didn't care that his supporters had weapons and that they should still be let through. "They're not here to hurt me," Hutchinson recalls Trump saying. "Take the effing mags away. Let my people in. They can march to the Capitol from here. Let the people in. Take the effing mags away."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Hutchinson also told the Jan. 6 committee during her bombshell testimony that Trump attempted to grab the steering wheel of the presidential limo to go to the Capitol on the day of the riot, revealing, "The president said something to the effect of, 'I'm the effing president, take me up to the Capitol now.'"
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
What does the G20 summit say about the new global order?
Today's Big Question Donald Trump's election ushers in era of 'transactional' geopolitics that threatens to undermine international consensus
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
What will Trump mean for the Middle East?
Talking Point President-elect's 'pro-Israel stance' could mask a more complex and unpredictable approach to the region
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Bermuda destination guide: exploring an island paradise
The Week Recommends From crystal caves to pink, sandy beaches, this hidden North Atlantic gem has much to offer
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
What does the G20 summit say about the new global order?
Today's Big Question Donald Trump's election ushers in era of 'transactional' geopolitics that threatens to undermine international consensus
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
What will Trump mean for the Middle East?
Talking Point President-elect's 'pro-Israel stance' could mask a more complex and unpredictable approach to the region
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
How will Elon Musk's alliance with Donald Trump pan out?
The Explainer The billionaire's alliance with Donald Trump is causing concern across liberal America
By The Week UK Published
-
'Paraguay has found itself in a key position'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Will Trump fire Fed chair Jerome Powell?
Today's Big Question An 'unprecedented legal battle' could decide the economy's future
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Sri Lanka's new Marxist leader wins huge majority
Speed Read The left-leaning coalition of newly elected Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake won 159 of the legislature's 225 seats
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Biden arrives in Peru for final summits
Speed Read President Joe Biden will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, visit the Amazon rainforest and attend two major international summits
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Best of frenemies: the famous faces back-pedalling and grovelling to win round Donald Trump
The Explainer Politicians who previously criticised the president-elect are in an awkward position
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published