Alleged Rioters Say Jan. 6 Wasn't Their Fault, Blame 'Mob Mentality'

At lease a dozen insurrection defendants say they didn't mean to get caught up in Jan. 6 riot, with some blaming then-President Trump.

Some of those charged in the January 6 riots — accused of smashing through police barriers and storming the U.S. Capitol — are now saying their part in the surge wasn't their fault. At least a dozen Capitol riot defendants identified by the Associated Press say their presence among the mob was an accident... that they were "caught up" and pushed inside by force, not as supporters of the fight. The defense is partly a tactic for some to restore reputations after being part of the event, while others are trying to defend themselves at trial... or for sentencing.