Donald Trump’s campaign announced that he will not be present at a fundraiser aimed at supporting the families of individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots, despite being listed as an invited speaker for the event at his golf club in New Jersey.

Over 1,400 individuals have faced charges relating to the Capitol incident, where Trump himself has been federally indicted for charges of election interference, suggesting his role in inciting the violent mob.

The “J6 Awards Gala,” organized by the nonprofit Stand in the Gap, is set to take place on September 5 at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster. The event aims to raise funds and honor “all J6 defendants who have demonstrated extraordinary bravery and sacrifice,” as indicated in the event details online.

Alongside Trump, prominent figures including Rudy Giuliani and Anthony Raimondi are confirmed speakers; however, the Trump campaign informed YSL News that Trump will not attend.

Trump has consistently supported Jan. 6 defendants

As Democrats criticize Trump for the January 6 events, he has advocated for the release of individuals convicted for their roles in the riots. Additionally, he has featured songs performed by the J6 Prison Choir during his rallies, with the gala also dedicated to the choir’s song “Justice for All.”

Many online have expressed shock over the event, including Olivia Troye, a former advisor to Mike Pence.

Troye stated, “Celebrating those who put Trump’s own Vice President’s life in danger and glorifying violence is a serious threat to our democracy and a shameful distortion of history.” She has publicly supported Vice President Kamala Harris.

Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina refrained from commenting on whether Trump should attend the fundraiser but condemned the actions of the rioters.

“I have no sympathy for those who stormed the Capitol, vandalized the building, and harmed law enforcement,” Graham mentioned on CNN’s “State of the Union.” When asked if Trump should allow the event to proceed, Graham said, “I will leave it to him to decide which causes to endorse.”

Over 1,400 have been charged in the Capitol riot aftermath

On January 6, 2021, a group of protesters stormed the U.S. Capitol while Congress was certifying the results of the 2020 election, where Joe Biden defeated Trump.

According to the Department of Justice, around 140 police officers were attacked that day, and five individuals lost their lives during the riot due to various causes. In the months following, at least four police officers who responded to the Capitol riots took their own lives.

As of May 2024, a total of 1,424 defendants have been charged after the investigations into the riots, according to an announcement by the Justice Department.

The insurrection resulted in Trump’s second impeachment. He was indicted on federal charges alleging he attempted to overturn the election, which partly led to the January 6 uprising.

Contributors: Zac Anderson, Bart Jansen, Chelsey Cox, Matthew Brown