Was it an insurrection or not?

Republican candidates in VA-07 were forced to answer the question

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Was it an insurrection or not?

The Democratic Party of Virginia released footage Thursday morning from a VA-07 Republican candidate forum that took place in April where the candidates were asked to talk about January 6, 2021 - the day that Donald Trump supporters overthrew Capitol Police and stormed the Capitol building.

The moderator asked the candidates if Jan. 6 was an insurrection or a “protest for redress of grievances?” This question rings especially important in VA-07 where the incumbent, Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D), was present inside the House chamber when Trump’s supporters reached the doors.

Here is how the candidates each answered:

State Sen. Bryce Reeves: “So my personal belief was it wasn’t an insurrection.”

Yesli Vega: “It was actually a group of Americans exercising their 1st amendment rights and as a result of doing that they’ve been persecuted, shamed, forced out of their jobs, forced to retire, and listen, the double standard is sickening.”

Derrick Anderson: “No, it was not an insurrection.” 

Gina Ciarcia: “I resent it being called an insurrection because it was not, and I also think Ted Cruz saying that it was a ‘violent act of terrorism’ was also completely inaccurate, and he should never should have said that at all.”

David Ross: “So, January 6th was not an insurrection, I think January 6th was an attempt for redress of grievances. And again, the left doesn’t play fair, do they? I mean you’ve seen leaks from the January 6th committee from the Dems that are victimizing and making a target out of a Supreme Court Justice’s wife …” 

The nominee in VA-07 will be chosen by a primary election on June 21.

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