As the investigation into the Capitol attack unfolds, the scope of involvement of those responsible for the deadly violence is quickly expanding.
Ali Alexander, known leader of the "Stop The Steal" group fueled by the baseless claims of voter fraud during the November election, told CNN he had help planning the January 6 rally from members of Congress.
“I’m the guy who came up with the idea of January 6, when I was talking to Congressman [Paul] Gosar, Congressman Andy Biggs, and Congressman Mo Brooks,” Alexander said.
In explaining why he organized the rally, Alexander said “[i]t was to build momentum and pressure, and then on the day change hearts and minds of Congresspeoples who weren’t yet decided,” adding that the mob of Donald Trump supporters was supposed to get them to decide to object to the certification of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as the next president and vice president, respectively.
Alexander claims the plan was to get members of Congress to say “I can’t be on the other side of that mob” while making their decisions about certifying the election.
CNN reported hat Congressman Biggs, who represents the 5th District of Arizona, claims he doesn’t remember meeting Alexander, though Biggs sent a pre-recorded message to a previous rally by the group.
Alabama Rep. Mo Brooks is reportedly facing backlash from his home state, and claims that his words to “kick a**” at the event that took place hours before the mob stormed the Capitol were taken out of context.
Arizona Rep. Gosar reportedly left behind a trail of tweets documenting his ongoing communication with Alexander. Gosar’s siblings spoke to the news outlet calling for their brother’s removal from office.
The FBI and Justice Department have already made dozens of arrests, and are actively examining every avenue of those responsible.
Authorities said the investigation will probably take months, but they’re not ruling out anyone’s involvement.
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