Kirk Cox Fails to Condemn Trump For Inciting Violent Insurrection at U.S. Capitol

In a statement released on Wednesday, VA GOP candidate for governor Kirk Cox refused to denounce Trump and his allies for their role in inciting the violent riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Despite Cox’s failure to condemn Trump’s behavior, the facts are clear. The “Stop the Steal” rally that led to the riot was sparked by Trump’s false claims of election fraud and his violent rhetoric, as well as Congressional Republicans, led by Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz, who objected to the certification of electoral votes. Trump also promoted the protest weeks in advance on Twitter, and after the event, released a video telling the rioters “we love you.” Polling shows the majority of Americans fault Trump for the insurrection.

Virginia state Republican leaders also played a role in the insurrection. Cox’s opponent, state Sen. Amanda Chase, attended the rally prior to the riot, and later promoted conspiracy theories about the incident.

Cox stands with Hawley, Cruz, Chase, and the insurrectionists, or he stands with democracy. There’s no middle ground now.

“Kirk Cox’s refusal to stand up to Donald Trump and denounce his lies is cowardly, and goes against the values of the commonwealth,” said DGA Deputy Communications Director Christina Amestoy. “Trump incited a terrifying riot at the U.S. Capitol, which resulted in the deaths of five Americans. Cox can’t have it both ways – he either stands with Trump, or he stands with democracy.”