For some, blaming the crowd is part of an attempt to restore tarnished reputations. Author: Associated Press Updated: 8:23 AM CDT May 23, 2021
Christopher Grider said he came to Washington on Jan. 6 with no intention of rioting. But he got caught up in the mob of angry supporters of then-President Donald Trump as they surged into the U.S. Capitol, breaking through police barriers and smashing through doors.
It wasn t his fault, he said, that he ended up inside the building with a yellow Don t Tread on Me flag around his neck as lawmakers ran for their lives.
Grider, 39, a winery owner and former school teacher in Texas is among at least a dozen Capitol riot defendants identified by The Associated Press who have claimed their presence in the building was a result of being caught up in the hysteria of the crowd or that they were pushed inside by sheer force.
Accused US Capitol rioters blame insurrection on mob mentality
By Michael Tarm and Jacques Billeaud
Published article
WASHINGTON,DC-JAN6: Tear gas is fired at supporters of President Trump who stormed the United States Capitol building. (Photo by Evelyn Hockstein/For The Washington Post via Getty Images)
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Christopher Grider said he came to Washington on Jan. 6 with no intention of rioting. But he got caught up in the mob of angry supporters of then-President Donald Trump as they surged into the U.S. Capitol, breaking through police barriers and smashing through doors.
It wasn t his fault, he said, that he ended up inside the building with a yellow Don’t Tread on Me flag around his neck as lawmakers ran for their lives.
The mob made me do it: Rioters claim Jan 6 crowd at fault columbian.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from columbian.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.