June 12, 2023

Katy Phang talked to Rick Wilson yesterday about the Trump indictment, pointing out that experts are concerned about the threat of violence from supporters.

"Katy, it is enormously significant," Wilson said.

"Look, we ended up in January 6th of 2021 with a mob destroying the Capitol. Trying to kill people. We ended up with a mob at Donald Trump's direct order, trying to overthrow an election. You have got Clay Higgins, you've got Kari Lake. You've got all these other folks who are now saying the quiet part out loud. 'If you try to hold Trump to standards of accountability and justice, we will kill you.'

"That's what they are saying. We should take it seriously. The Department of Justice should take it seriously. Law enforcement should take it seriously. These are people who are not doing it rhetorically," he said.

"There will be violence. Take the promise seriously. We are in the late stage of American democracy right now, and there is an authoritarian movement that understands the force of action through -- willing to use and they believe it is politically consequential for them, and that there will not be repercussions in the political space."

Phang asked if the conviction of people like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys would act as a deterrent.

Wilson pointed out that ordinary foot soldiers are the people who went to jail.

He said people like Clay Higgins and Kari Lake are "more than willing to have lower tier people engage in stochastic violence against the country to protect Donald Trump."

Wilson pointed out that Roger Stone, Steve Bannon, and Alex Jones are not in jail.

"So, those people at the top feel like they are protected and immune. They are also gambling. I think it is not the worst gamble in the world. But if they get Donald Trump elected again, all will be forgiven and everyone will be pardoned and everyone will go on their merry way. If Donald Trump is elected again, every January 6th person, i promise, will be out of jail. He will free them all."

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