Trump denies involvement in Jan. 6 Capitol riot, blames Pelosi

During a debate on September 10, former President Donald Trump asserted that he had no involvement in the January 6 riot, which was orchestrated by his supporters to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden's electoral victory. He claimed that his only role was to deliver a speech, stating, 'I had nothing to do with that, other than they asked me to make a speech.' This statement came in response to a question from moderator David Muir regarding any regrets Trump might have about that day. The January 6 incident saw many of Trump's supporters, who had attended a rally where he encouraged them to march to the Capitol, engaging in violent confrontations with law enforcement. The rioters aimed to halt the electoral vote count, which was a critical step in formalizing Biden's presidency. Trump's remarks during the debate were part of a broader narrative where he deflected responsibility for the actions of his supporters. The debate was significant as it marked the first encounter between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, who had stepped in as the Democratic nominee after President Biden's earlier debate performance raised concerns. The event was hosted by ABC in Philadelphia and attracted considerable public interest, with a PBS News/NPR/Marist poll indicating that over two-thirds of Americans planned to watch. Trump's denial of involvement and his attempt to shift blame to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reflect ongoing tensions surrounding the Capitol riot and its aftermath. This incident continues to influence political discourse and public perception as the nation grapples with the implications of that day.