Washington, D.C. – Former President Donald Trump voiced his support for a Colorado woman convicted of federal misdemeanor charges linked to the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, labeling her as a “patriot.” Trump took to social media to urge his followers to donate money to assist in covering her legal fees.
Rebecca Lavrenz, the woman in question, recently faced conviction in Washington for engaging in disorderly and disruptive conduct, along with three other charges. Trump, who has solidified his standing as the Republican presidential nominee, has shifted his focus towards aiding individuals charged and found guilty in connection with the violent Capitol riot that resulted in injuries to numerous law enforcement officials and prompted lawmakers, including then-Vice President Mike Pence, to seek refuge for their safety.
Court documents revealed that Lavrenz acknowledged being present at the Capitol on January 6 and witnessed people unlawfully bypassing physical barriers to gain entry into the building. Following a group of individuals, Lavrenz proceeded into the building, conversed with a Capitol police officer, and later exited the premises, according to court records.
The 71-year-old Lavrenz, also known as the “J6 Praying Grandma” on social media, claimed she traveled across the country to Washington on the day of the “Stop the Steal” rally to pray for the nation. Trump echoed this sentiment in his social media post, asserting that Lavrenz had been unjustly singled out by the Justice Department. He included a link to a fundraising site aimed at collecting $100,000 for her legal defense fund.
Trump’s advocacy for those implicated in the Capitol assault has grown over time. In early 2022, he hinted at the possibility of pardoning January 6 rioters and later pledged to grant “full pardons with an apology” to many individuals involved in the incident.
As Trump secured the GOP presidential nomination, his Republican allies in Congress also demonstrated sympathy for the January 6 offenders and downplayed the severity of the violence that transpired on that day. Rep. Elise Stefanik, the Republican House Conference Chair, made references to “January 6 hostages” in a televised interview, hinting at a potential Trump running mate.
Senator Tim Scott, another potential running mate, has refrained from commenting on whether he would have certified the 2020 election results, an issue that Trump vehemently opposed and encouraged his supporters to challenge.