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Donald Trump Salutes Jan. 6 ‘Hostages’ as National Anthem Plays


Former President Donald Trump saluted January 6, 2021, Capitol rioters at a rally in Dayton, Ohio, on Saturday during the National Anthem.

The Context:

Trump, who was in Ohio for a campaign stop at the Buckeye Values PAC rally, honored and thanked the participants of the deadly siege on the U.S. Capitol.

“Please rise for the horribly and unfairly treated January 6 hostages,” an announcer said. Trump then saluted and the crowd stood as the National Anthem played.

Journalist Aaron Rupar shared a video of the moment to X, formerly Twitter, where it quickly amassed 115,000 views and more than 100 comments on Saturday.

Trump then opened his speech by thanking the rioters and calling them “unbelievable patriots.”

“Thank you very much, and you see the spirit from the hostages, and that’s what they are—hostages,” he said.

What We Know:

More than 1,265 individuals—including Trump himself—have been charged by the Department of Justice (DOJ) for their alleged involvement in the deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol, with many already convicted and serving sentences.

The “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) leader is accused of inciting the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol building by spreading unfounded claims to his supporters that he lost the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden due to widespread voter fraud.

Last year, the former president was indicted on four counts by the DOJ, including conspiracy to defraud the United States; conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding; obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding; and conspiracy against rights.

Trump, the presumed 2024 GOP presidential nominee, has maintained his innocence, accusing prosecutors of attempting to derail his campaign.

This is a developing news story and will be updated with more information.

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Former President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a Buckeye Values PAC Rally in Vandalia, Ohio, on Saturday. Trump opened his speech by thanking the Capitol rioters and calling them “unbelievable patriots.”

KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP/Getty