In a hidden video with Hillsdale County Republicans, Michigan Senate Leader Mike Shirkey’s comments went viral on Tuesday when he suggested the Capitol riot was a hoax.
The discussion took place in a diner while discussing an impending censure the county Republicans were issuing the state GOP leader for not opposing Governor Whitmer aggressively enough, and for supporting a ban on open carry of guns in the state Capitol building.
“That wasn’t Trump people,” Shirkey said, despite the fact the insurrection occurred directly after a protest featuring Trump and many of those arrested in connection to the events have voiced support for the Republican former president.
“That’s been a hoax … from day one,” Shirkey said without evidence, adding, “That was all prearranged.”
On Wednesday morning, Shirkey spoke in a hot mic moment with the Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, and doubled down on his conspiracy theory.
“I frankly … don’t take back any of the points I was trying to make.”
“It was very real, but the assignment of cause,” Shirkey said of the insurrection, where supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol, which resulted in five deaths.
“We’re going to find out,” Shirkey said, then referencing the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Sources: Detroit News, AP, and Detroit Metro Times