Letter to the editor: Clarifying Jan. 6 'hypocrisy'

The writer of the letter “Jan. 6 hypocrisy” (Sept. 1, TribLIVE) accuses the Jan. 6 committee of hypocrisy and the media of spewing propaganda.

His points:

• “President Trump told supporters to ‘go to … the Capitol’ (but) at no time did he call for violence or insurrection.” In response to the Secret Service using metal magnetometers to keep armed people away from the Capitol, Trump angrily responded, “Take the effing mags away. They are not here to hurt me.”

• “An unarmed military veteran, Ashli Babbitt, was fatally shot by a Capitol Police officer.” Some context: She was shot while climbing through a blown-out window at the Capitol building.

• “No one jailed has been charged with possession of a lethal weapon.” One man was sentenced to seven years for carrying a firearm to a riot; another will be sentenced for up to 17 years for beating a police officer with a flagpole; another was sentenced to five years for assault with a wooden plank and a fire extinguisher.

• “A video shows Capitol police officers standing by passively as protesters entered the Capitol.” The writer must have missed the scores of videos showing the Capitol Police being assaulted, punched, kicked, dragged, beaten with poles and laced with pepper and bear spray. Not to mention the five officers who died as a result of the Jan. 6 riot.

Richard Dulemba

Washington Township, Westmoreland County