Trump Wanted To Let Armed Rioters Enter His Rally, Aide Says

Topline

Then President Donald Trump was frustrated that metal detectors were slowing down armed people from entering a rally of his supporters on January 6, 2021, according to former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson, who recalled Trump demanding the metal detectors be removed because he believed the crowd was “not there to hurt me.”

Key Facts

Trump wanted as many people as possible to attend his Ellipse rally and was “f——- furious” metal detectors were keeping the crowd from going, according to a text message Hutchinson sent to Tony Ornato, who served as White House deputy chief of staff.

White House officials were not bothered when they learned the crowd of Trump supporters gathered on January 6 included many people who were heavily armed, according to Hutchinson.

Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows did not even look up from his phone when he was told about the armed Trump supporters, Hutchinson testified to the January 6 committee.

Crucial Quote

“They’re not here to hurt me. Let them in. Let my people in,” Trump said, according to Hutchinson. “They can march to the Capitol after the rally is over.”

Key Background

Tuesday’s hearing is the sixth this month from the committee, and is solely focused on Hutchinson’s testimony. The hearing was announced with only about 24 hours’ notice after Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) said the committee learned of new evidence that needed to be shared with the American people “immediately.”