Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) got into a heated exchange with former Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller over whether former President Donald Trumpâs comments on the morning of January 6 were the âunitary factorâ in inciting the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
During a hearing on the preparation and response for January 6, Lynch asked Miller if Trumpâs comments at a rally before the riot incited his supporters to march on the Capitol.
âWell, he clearly offered that they should march on the Capitol, so it goes without saying that his statement resulted in that,â Miller began.
Lynch interjected that Miller previously claimed it was âpretty much definitiveâ that the insurrection would not have happened without Trumpâs comments.
Miller began to explain his apparent change, âI think now I would say that that was not the unitary factor at all.â
âWhatâs that?â Lynch asked.
Miller responded, âI would like to offer, I have reassessed, itâs not the unitary factor at all. It seems clear there was an organized conspiracy with assault elements in place, going to assault regardless of what the president said.â
Lynch noted that in Millerâs written testimony for Wednesdayâs hearing, he said, âI personally believe comments encouraged the protesters that day.â
The Massachusetts Congressman went on to claim that there is a âvery recent reversal of your testimony.â
âAbsolutely not, thatâs ridiculous,â Miller responded.
Lynch fired back, âYouâre ridiculous.â
Watch the video below:
During an interview with Vice News in March, Miller made a seemingly different claim about Trump and the violence.
When asked if he believed Trumpâs comments incited the violence, Miller said, âI donât know, but it seems cause and effect.â
He continued, âThe question is, would anybody have marched on the Capitol, and tried to overrun the Capitol, without the presidentâs speech?â
Finally, Miller said, âI think itâs pretty much definitive that wouldnât have happened.â
