Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
World
David Kent

Donald Trump watched Capitol riots on TV in White House and ignored pleas from aides to intervene - inquest

Donald Trump watched the infamous Capitol riots on a TV in the White House instead of intervening to put a stop to them, despite the pleas of his aides.

That's according to the latest hearing into the shocking moment on January 6 of last year which saw thousands of Trump supporters break into the US Congress building on Capitol Hill in an attempt to stop or delay the congressional certification of Joe Biden's election victory.

On Thursday, during the eighth hearing into the riots, we learned more about how the then-President reacted to the news and the incidents.

READ MORE: Vladimir Putin puppet says Russia should 'nuke' UK but has prediction for Ireland

Law enforcement officers push back against rioting Trump supporters (REUTERS)

Adam Kinzinger, one of two Republicans on the committee, explained: "He refused to act.

Elaine Luria, a Virginia Democrat on the committee, said: "President Trump sat at his dining table and watched the attack on television while his senior-most staff, closest advisers and family members begged him to do what is expected of any American president."

The hearing was told that Trump spent two and a half hours watching coverage on Fox News in a private dining room.

It also heard that the chief White House photographer had wanted to take pictures during the historic event, but was told not to.

His daughter Ivanka Trump and former chief of staff Mark Meadows were among two of his closer circle urging him to issue a strong condemnation of the events.

His son, Donald Trump Junior, also made a plea for his dad to do something, telling Mr Meadows: "He has got to condemn this s*** ASAP.

"This one you go to the mattresses on. They will try to f*** his entire legacy on this if it gets worse."

Three hours and seven minutes after the assault began on Capitol hill, Trump released a video recorded from the White House Rose Garden, in which he praised the rioters as "very special", but asked them to disperse.

Jacob Chansley held a sign referencing QAnon during the US Capitol riot (Reuters)

Another Democratic committee member, Bennie Thompson, opened his remarks with: "For 187 minutes on Jan 6, this man of unbridled destructive energy could not be moved.

"Not by his aides, not by his allies, not by the violent chants of rioters, or the desperate pleas of those facing down the mob. He could not be moved."

READ NEXT:

Dumped Love Island contestant Jack Keating says he isn't as sweet as people made him out to be on the show

GAA player who allegedly grabbed opponent's testicles during game charged with assault

Woman kicked in head as vicious brawl in Laytown, Co Meath captured in chaotic footage

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.