Commentary
Two excuses about the Capitol riots fell flat: That antifa members were dressed as Trump supporters and mainly caused the chaos. And that the incident was a forgettable nothing burger.
It seems Donald Trump didn’t really know the activists he had high hopes for that day and these activists really didn’t know about Trump’s real personality and intentions. That day was not some perfectly camouflaged trap, as it is insinuated now, because government agencies always infiltrate radical activist circles and everyone knew that violence was coming.
The FBI, whose past operations included COINTELPRO, is accused of having masterminded the capitol siege, yet so far, nothing has materialized. Some rioters plaed guilty or were convicted of normal crimes and received sentences of a few years. Others, like certain “Oath Keepers” and “Proud Boys” went to prison for up to 20 years or even more. The documentation about Enrique Tarrio, Joe Biggs or Stewart Rhodes is fairly extensive. Tarrio was even exposed as an informant between 2012 and 2014 regarding criminal investigations.
Media such als Revolver or Tucker Carlson instead obsessed about the veteran Ray Epps who didn’t do much on that day and received a year’s probation. Rumors were swirling that he was a snitch who orchestrated the events. Evidence is nonexistent so he sued FOX News whow were already in hot waters due to false claims about voting machines manufacturers.
In 2011, Epps served as president of Arizona Oath Keepers, the largest chapter of the anti-government militia group.
On Jan. 6, Epps is seen approaching police barricades. The video doesn’t show Epps participating in any of the violence. But he puts his hands on the shoulders of a man in a red “Make America Great Again” ballcap and then speaks into the man’s ear moments before the protesters topple the barricades and tussle with police. The man was Ryan Samsel, who was charged with several crimes. Samsel later told FBI investigators that Joe Biggs had pulled him aside and encouraged him to push the barricades, and challenge and confront the Capitol police. Videotape showed Samsel attacking Capitol Police Officer Caroline Edwards. Edwards later testified to a House of Representatives committee that Samsel pushed a barricade over in a struggle, knocking her down and causing her to hit her head, lose consciousness, and suffer a concussion and a brain injury.
Epps’ image was at one point included on the FBI Capitol Violence most wanted list. Epps testified under oath that he had no connections to the FBI or law enforcement.
The SandyHook fiasco among conspiracy media has shown that any event may be called “fake” or staged”. At least one of the Sandy Hook parents even used to be a fan of Alex Jones. In depositions Jones and his employees could not demonstrate they had spent appropriate expertise and efforts to check claims prior to broadcast.
The reports about Ray Epps mean anybody in activist circles can become a target of opportunity, a fall guy. Because Epps was a nobody and the MAGAs wanted to protect themselves. It was ultimately Trump, Jones and Fox News who encouraged activists.
