Washington Commanders’ defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio called Wednesday’s Jan. 6 riot “dust-up”, then apologized the day before the first public hearing on the attack on Capitol Hill.
When the NFL coach spoke to reporters, he was asked about his comments on Twitter regarding the House select committee that was investigating last year’s attack on Congress in Washington D.C.
Del Rio tweeted Monday that Jan. 6 was likened to the protests against racial injustice that arose from George Floyd’s murder. Floyd died in May 2020 after a Minneapolis officer placed his neck on the ground for nine minutes.
Del Rio tweeted that the protests were a “summer full of riots looting, burning, and destruction of personal property.”
Del Rio spoke again about the subject Wednesday morning.
“I see the images shown on TV. People’s livelihoods are being destroyed.” Businesses are being destroyed. He said, “No problem.” “And then, we have a dust up at the Capitol — not burned down. We’re going talk about it, and we’re making that a major deal. It’s kinda like two standards.
Del Rio apologized for his “dusty-up” comment hours later, Wednesday.
“I made comments earlier in the day in reference to the attack on the United States Capitol on January 6, 2020. Del Rio tweeted, “Referencing that situation was a dust-up wasn’t responsible and negligent and I am sorry.”
“I stand by my condemnations of violence in communities across the nation. While I do so, I also support peaceful protest in America as an American citizen. All peaceful protests in America have been supported by me. I respect, love and support all of my coaches, players and staff. I also respect their opinions and views.
Del Rio was unable to be reached for comment on Thursday. Washington Commanders could not be reached as well.
On Thursday, the House committee that is investigating the Jan. 6 riot at U.S. Capitol will open its first public hearings. It will feature hours of newly available testimony.
According to the committee, the hearings will provide new evidence on how a mob led by former President Donald Trump’s supporters took over the Capitol to prevent members of Congress from officially recognizing the victory of President Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election.
