Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent comments on the prosecution of January 6th rioters have sparked controversy and criticism. Aligning himself with former President Donald Trump’s narrative, Kennedy raised concerns about the political motivations behind the vigor of the prosecutions. Despite facing backlash for portraying rioters sympathetically in a fundraising email, Kennedy doubled down on questioning the fairness of the prosecutions, suggesting a need to hear “every side.”
While acknowledging Trump’s role in inciting the Capitol attack, Kennedy proposed appointing a special counsel to investigate potential bias against Trump allies. However, his false claim regarding the absence of weapons among rioters drew sharp criticism, prompting a retraction. Democrats and allies have condemned Kennedy’s candidacy, fearing it could undermine efforts to hold rioters accountable and potentially benefit Trump’s political agenda. Kennedy’s association with individuals linked to the Capitol attack and his anti-vaccine activism further add to the controversy surrounding his candidacy.