CNN host refuses to back down from GOP rep claiming Trump denounced January 6 violence

US Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA) on Wednesday twisted himself into knots when CNN host Boris Sanchez asked the Trump Campaign Pennsylvania Co-Chair why he — a lawmaker who worked to shield his colleagues from harm at the US Capitol on January 6 — defends former President Donald Trump, who vows to to pardon January 6 rioters if elected in November.

"Speaking of defending Trump's record, one issue that I'm certain will come up is the question of January 6," Sanchez said. "You were there that day, you helped Capitol police secure the Capitol as it was being attacked by rioters. You've spoken very openly about how you think that kind of violence should be denounced. Donald Trump has not done that. How would you like to see him handle that subject?"

The Pennsylvania congressman replied, "Well, it was a very, very ugly day here. I'm in the capital right now. is no nothing in between. It certainly should be denounced. I will tell you this: I saw people's eyes that were there to do two things, create mayhem, create violence, and create all kinds of anarchy and chaos, and violence. And they did. Most of those people, by the way, in my view, because they were carrying oxygen tanks and all kinds of other equipment. I don't believe we're even at the rally, so the idea of trying to trying to pin it on President Trump's words, i think falls way, way short. So I do think the president would address it in for what it was, for what the American people saw and denounce it."

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Sanchez said, "Well, he's talked about pardoning those folks that you were talking about being violent, and that hurt a lot of Capitol police officers, and other people as well, right?"

"Well, no, no, no," the GOP leader insisted. "Not violent, not people who would hurt police officers. Those who were part who got caught up in the riot, if you will."

"He's called them political prisoners, sir," Sanchez emphasized.

"No, I'm talking about the trespassers," Meuser replied. "There are some who have been too strongly prosecuted."

"You've heard Donald Trump differentiate between the folks that were there on January 6 on the Capitol — the ones you're describing as just getting caught up in the riots — and violent rioters?" Sanchez asked, emphasizing, "Because I have not."

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"I've had private conversations with him," the GOP lawmaker claimed, "so certainly I have, and of course they should. If somebody is beating a police officer, and some did, they're a far cry different from those who basically wandered in to the Capitol, and they were wrong, but they should receive no more of a penalty than anybody else who would be trespassing."

"I'm not sure there were a whole lot of folks just randomly wandering into the halls of Congress," Sanchez replied. "It certainly didn't look like that from where i was standing two blocks away."

"Boris, I was there. I saw it," Meuser replied.

"Sir, respectfully, I have to disagree with your characterization, but I do appreciate your time," the CNN host said.

Meuser added, "I'm not minimizing anything, because it was a bad day."

"Well, you're saying that these folks deserve to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Sanchez replied. "The former president is talking about pardoning the same people that attacked you and your colleagues."

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The Pennsylvania congressman said, "And you want to know what? Joe Biden dismissed—"

"What does this have to do with Joe Biden?" Sanchez interrupted. "Let's talk about Donald Trump talking about pardoning people, that you tried to defend other folks against."

Meuser then claimed that Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris helped bail out violent folks who destroyed his city of Philadelphia during the January 6 riot — which is false.

"And that in no way shape or form answers the question about Donald Trump talking about pardoning the very people you described as violent, and the very ugly day, as you described, that you experienced at the Capitol, trying to help police officers," Sanchez replied.

READ MORE: 'I have nothing to worry about': Jan. 6 defendant tells judge Trump will win and pardon him

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