Patel placed blame for the unfortunate incidents, particularly the breach of the Capitol, on two prominent Democrats: former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, asserting that they bore the responsibility for the situation. This assertion arose during a line of questioning from Senator Cruz, who inquired about the apparent lack of security measures prior to the events of that day.
In his response, Patel, who was serving in the Department of Defense at the time, explained that the Department had been actively working in the days leading up to the planned event on the National Mall to ensure security. He noted that efforts were made to prepare National Guard troops for a mission to protect the Capitol, but these requests were ultimately denied by Speaker Pelosi and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.
Senator Cruz initiated the conversation by referencing the Sergeant of Arms, who is primarily responsible for Capitol security and is said to have rejected the requests for National Guard support. Cruz asked Patel, “Who did the Sergeant at Arms report to?” Patel responded, “The Speaker of the House.”
Cruz then emphasized that this meant Nancy Pelosi was in charge of the Sergeant of Arms at that time, asking Patel for confirmation: “That would have been Nancy Pelosi at the time, is that correct?” Patel affirmed, “Yes, Senator.”
Cruz subsequently pointed out that it was not solely Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi who was overseeing matters at that time; then-Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was also involved, given that the Democrats held control over both legislative chambers. Cruz inquired, “And would that also be Chuck Schumer (D-NY), then the Senate Majority Leader?”
In response, Patel clarified to Cruz that Schumer was indeed in charge and highlighted that Pelosi had denied the National Guard troops she preferred, thereby underscoring her involvement in the troubling events of that day. He stated, “The Sergeant at Arms, yes, Senator, reports up there. She formally declined additional National Guard support in writing in the days leading up to January 6th, and that letter is publicly accessible.”
Pelosi has criticized Trump for his pardons of those involved in the January 6th events. In a statement, she remarked, “Tonight, the President announced pardons and commutations for individuals who violently assaulted the Capitol and law enforcement officers on January 6th. The President’s actions represent a profound affront to our justice system and to the heroes who endured physical and emotional trauma while safeguarding the Capitol, Congress, and the Constitution.”
She further stated, “It is disgraceful that the President has chosen to prioritize the abandonment and betrayal of police officers who risked their lives to thwart an attempt to undermine the peaceful transfer of power. Regardless of the President’s decision, we must always honor the extraordinary courage and valor of the law enforcement heroes who stood firm and ensured the survival of democracy on that dark day.”
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