President Biden’s reference to January 6 as an ‘armed insurrection’ raised questions about Justice Department charges
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki has attempted to explain why President Joe Biden refers to the Capitol riot as an “insurrection,” a crime no individual, including former President Donald Trump, has been charged with.
Biden referred to January 6 as an “armed insurrection” in his Thursday morning address. He also apparently accused Trump of having “rallied” his supporters to “attack” by continuing to push the theory that the 2020 presidential election was fraudulent.
When asked whether Biden has recommended that charge be used against the approximately 700 rioters in custody awaiting trial – none of which have been charged with “armed insurrection” – Psaki appeared to downplay Biden’s remark.
Biden only wants the “Justice Department and attorney general to act independently,” Psaki said. “He was not making a judgement about or a direction of what the Justice Department should do or how they should behave or act, and I don’t think the Justice Department or the attorney general see that he did either,” she added.
REPORTER TO PSAKI: Biden called Jan 6 and "armed insurrection" … No one has been charged for insurrection, which is a specific crime. Does the President want the Justice Department to press charges of insurrection against Trump or anyone else?"
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) January 6, 2022