Pam Hemphill, a 70-year-old resident of Boise, Idaho, who faced a two-month sentence for involvement in the Jan. 6 riot, has squarely blamed former President Donald Trump for the events, as reported by Raw Story on January 5, 2024.
In an exclusive interview with CNN, Hemphill criticized Trump’s role leading up to the Capitol riot, expressing frustration with the persistent false claims about the election being stolen.
“The narrative is escalating, denying the stolen election—they refuse to let go of that falsehood,” Hemphill stated.
“We are aware that it’s untrue. Trump knew the election wasn’t stolen, yet he summoned us there nonetheless.”
Recalling the days preceding Jan. 6, 2021, Hemphill remembered Trump’s December 19, 2020 tweet promoting a “big protest” called “Stop the Steal” to coincide with Congress certifying the election results.
Trump’s tweet, urging people to “Be there, will be wild!” became a rallying cry for his supporters.
“I’m exhausted by the narrative they propagate,” Hemphill emphasized.
“That’s why I’m speaking out; I have firsthand experience. I witnessed what unfolded that day. Trump bears complete responsibility.”
Seeing beyond the allure of the MAGA movement, Hemphill voiced frustration with what she perceives as a concerted effort to manipulate and discredit individuals.
“That’s the essence of MAGA—I struggle to articulate it—they have this method of belittling and disparaging you,” she explained.
“And what they’re doing now is executing an extensive gaslighting smear campaign.”
Disputing any claims of a peaceful protest, Hemphill referenced her case among the 561 federal cases processed from the chaotic day.
“Don’t tell me it was peaceful. I was there. I saw when they breached those gates, confronted officers, and trampled on me,” she contested.
Hemphill expressed a deep appreciation for Capitol Police officers, disclosing that one had come to her aid amid the turmoil.
“It was an officer who saved my life that day,” she revealed.
“Trump is perilous, I mean seriously perilous, a narcissist. He’s akin to a cult leader. He must face legal consequences.”
In her forthright interview, Hemphill’s testimony delivers a significant indictment of Trump’s involvement in the Jan. 6 events, challenging misleading narratives and emphasizing the urgent need for accountability.
Her firsthand perspective illuminates the severity of the situation, reinforcing her belief that Trump should be held accountable for his actions.
