U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks of Alabama told a Slate reporter Wednesday that he wore body armor to former President Donald Trump’s speech just before the Capitol riots on Jan. 6, shedding light on his participation in the events leading up to the deadly insurrection.
“I was warned on Monday that there might be risks associated with the next few days,” said Brooks, according to Slate. “And as a consequence of those warnings, I did not go to my condo. Instead, I slept on the floor of my office. And when I gave my speech at the Ellipse, I was wearing body armor.”
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Trump gathered supporters for a rally at the Ellipse Park, located south of the White House and north of the National Mall, on Jan. 6. During his speech, Trump claimed that election results in favor of President Joe Biden members of Congress were planning to certify were incorrect due to voter fraud. Claims of fraud still remain unsubstantiated.
Brooks – who supports these claims of election fraud – also spoke during the event, telling attendees to “start taking down names and kicking ass.”
After the speech, attendees moved on to the U.S. Capitol, where riots claimed lives and damaged property.
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According to Slate, Brooks has claimed his comment was not referring to physical violence, but rather to winning against Democrats in the 2022 and 2024 elections. However, this argument may lead Brooks to lose protection from a lawsuit he would have as an elected official because he was campaigning, not acting as a government representative.
Brooks announced earlier this year he plans to run for a Senate seat in 2022. His campaign site says Brooks is endorsed by Trump.
An affidavit from Brooks asking for protection also aims to emphasize his comments encouraging protesters to be peaceful.
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Slate said Brooks did not identify who warned him about the “risk” on Jan. 6.
Hearings examining the events of the Jan. 6 insurrection began Tuesday. Audacy station KCBS discussed the investigation this week.