Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) says anyone who assaulted law enforcement during the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol should go to jail for a “long, long time.”
During a Senate hearing on Wednesday, Cruz said, “We are approaching a solemn anniversary this week. And it is an anniversary of a violent terrorist attack on the Capitol where we saw the men and women of law enforcement demonstrate incredible courage, incredible bravery, risk their lives to defend the men and women who serve in this Capitol.”
“We are grateful for that courage. We appreciate the selfless sacrifice of the men and women who keep us safe. And I will say, my view is that anyone who commits an act of violence should be prosecuted. And anyone who assaults a law enforcement officer should go to jail for a very long time,” he continued.
Finally, Cruz said, “And I think that’s a principle that is true regardless of the politics of the violent criminal. Whether they are right-wing, left-wing, or they got no wings at all. If you assault a cop, you ought to go to jail for a long, long time.”
Watch the video below:
Sen. Ted Cruz thanked Capitol police for defending the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6 insurrection and said rioters who assaulted law enforcement officers should be prosecuted. anyone who assaults a law enforcement officer should go to jail for a very long time," Cruz said. pic.twitter.com/dj4fAlw0VS
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) January 5, 2022
Cruz’s comments come ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol when supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the building as lawmakers met to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election.
Over 700 people have been arrested for their alleged participation in the riot. As The New York Times notes, law enforcement officials estimate that as many as 2,500 people could be charged with crimes for their alleged participation in the riot. Prosecutors say that includes at least 1,000 incidents of assault.
So far, at least 225 individuals have been charged with attacking or interfering with the police, roughly 275 have been charged with obstructing Congress’ certification of the 2020 presidential election, and over 300 have been charged with petty crimes such as trespassing and disorderly conduct.
