This post was originally published on this site
In his most extensive public comments yet on the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection, former Vice President Mike Pence said Thursday that he and former President Donald Trump may never “see eye to eye” on the events of that day.
“
“You know, President Trump and I have spoken many times since we left office. And I don’t know if we’ll ever see eye to eye on that day. But I will always be proud of what we accomplished for the American people over the last four years.”
”
Speaking at a Republican event in Hillsborough County, N.H., Pence called Jan. 6 “a dark day in the history of the United States Capitol,” and accused Democrats of focusing on “one tragic day to discredit the aspirations of millions of Americans” as a way to distract attention from “a new administration intent on dividing our country to advance their radical agenda.”
On the day the Capitol was overrun by a pro-Trump mob, Pence — from a safe room in the Capitol — urged the Pentagon to help secure the building. Some in the mob were reportedly searching the building for Pence while others chanted “Hang Mike Pence!” due to Pence’s refusal to throw out election results.
Separately, CBS News reported Thursday that 17 police officers remain off work due to injuries they received in the Capitol riot. More than 150 officers suffered injuries during the hourslong siege, and five people — including one police officer — died.
Since leaving office, Pence has largely avoided talking about the insurrection.
At Thursday’s speech, Pence also bashed President Joe Biden for “failed leadership,” and predicted Republicans would gain control of both chambers of Congress in 2022. He drew loud applause from the crowd when he said “America is not a racist nation,” and claimed systemic racism is a “left-wing myth.”
