Sen. Ted Cruz responds after video showed Capitol rioter saying senator 'would want us to do this'

Sunday, January 17, 2021
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Days after The New Yorker released video showing a shocking, inside look at the U.S. Capitol siege, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz is, once again, condemning their actions.

In a portion of the nearly 12-minute video, documented by Luke Mogelson, a veteran war correspondent and a contributing writer at The New Yorker, rioters were seen examining a document and were heard saying, "Ted Cruz would want us to do this, so I think we're good."
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However, it's unclear what the rioters were referring to.

Images from January 6, 2021


Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Sen. Cruz issued a statement Sunday afternoon saying, "As Sen. Cruz has said repeatedly, the terrorist attack on the Capitol was reprehensible, and the criminals who carried out the attack should be fully prosecuted. He has been clear, consistent, and unequivocal: violence is always wrong-whether from Left or Right-and violent criminals should go to jail for a very long time."

Cruz, who is facing intense calls for his resignation, told ABC13 one day after the riots that his intent to oppose Joe Biden's electoral win was based on legality and to fight voter fraud.



He also insisted that he did not agree and has never agreed with the sitting president's rhetoric that fired up the chaos and left four people dead.
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"The president's language and rhetoric often goes too far. I think, yesterday in particular, the president's language and rhetoric crossed the line and it was reckless. I disagree with it, and I have disagreed with the president's language and rhetoric for the last four years," Cruz said.

He continued, "If you looked to what I have said, you will not find me say the same language or rhetoric."

In the video player below, watch Sen. Cruz's full exclusive interview, which covers his own experience inside the Capitol building and whether he believes Pres. Trump should be out of office immediately.

WATCH: Sen. Ted Cruz tells why he still opposed Biden's electoral win


Ted Cruz tells ABC13 why he still opposed Biden win
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