A forthcoming book is making a claim that Mitt Romney alerted Mitch McConnell to a potential threat of violence on the eve of the January 6th Capitol incident. According to the book, titled “Romney: A Reckoning” by McKay Coppins of The Atlantic, Romney conveyed in private correspondence with the Senate Republican leader that there were discussions about “burning down” McConnell’s residence.
Romney’s concerns and the details of his communication with McConnell are featured in the book. Romney reportedly told McConnell, “There are calls to burn down your home, Mitch. To smuggle guns into DC, and to storm the Capitol.”
Furthermore, Romney expressed apprehension about the adequacy of security measures in place, stating, “I hope that sufficient security plans are in place, but I am concerned that the instigator—the President (Donald Trump)—is the one who commands the reinforcements the DC and Capitol police might require.”
However, McConnell did not respond to or acknowledge Romney’s warning, according to the book excerpt.
The aftermath of the Capitol riot was significant, with McConnell’s residence ultimately spared from harm. Nevertheless, the Capitol itself incurred damages amounting to $2.7 million, and 140 police officers were reported to have faced assaults, according to the Department of Justice.
Former President Donald Trump faced legal consequences, including indictment following a federal investigation into his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. During his final days in office, he also faced impeachment charges for “incitement of insurrection.”
On the day when the certification of Trump’s 2020 election defeat was taking place, he made two posts on social media, urging his followers to maintain peace, respect the law, and support the Capitol Police.
The repercussions for the Capitol rioters were severe, with over 1,100 protesters facing charges. Some of the riot’s leaders, such as Enrique Tarrio and Joe Biggs of the Proud Boys, received lengthy prison sentences, with Tarrio sentenced to 22 years and Biggs to 17 years.
This information, which includes the warning and subsequent events, is derived from the initial excerpt of McKay Coppins’s book “Romney: A Reckoning” published by The Atlantic. The release of the book followed closely after Mitt Romney announced his retirement from the Senate at the end of his term.
