🔺 Trump golf club hosts ‘gala’ for Jan. 6 defendants

🔺 During Jan. 6 riot, 140 police officers assaulted

🔺 About 40 insurrection defendants/convicts have NJ ties


UPDATE, Sept. 4: The NJ event has been postponed 

BEDMINSTER — Donald Trump's exclusive golf club in Somerset County will be the site of a swanky fundraiser for rioters charged in  deadly Capitol violence of Jan. 6, 2021.

Over three years since the attack, more than 1,424 defendants have been charged, including more than 500 rioters accused of assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers or employees.

By this summer, 97 defendants had admitted to assaulting law enforcement while 58 pleaded guilty to obstruction and interference with law enforcement.

Of those facing charges, about 40 defendants and convicts have ties to New Jersey.

South River native and Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick died the next day from a series of strokes after being hospitalized from collapsing on the night of Jan. 6, the day he was attacked with pepper spray. He was among 140 police officers who were assaulted at the Capitol that day.

J6 Awards Gala Capitol rioters fundraiser (via standinthegap.com)
(via standinthegap.com)
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The “J6 Awards Gala” event planned for Thursday, Sept. 5 at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster is promoted by Stand in the Gap.

The group was created to support "January 6th defendants and their families during their time in incarceration.”

“We gather to pay tribute not only to these individuals but to all J6 defendants who have shown incredible courage and sacrifice,” the event listing reads.

Read More: Out-of-town Trump fans angry about Bedminster parking change

Capitol Breach What We Know
Violent insurrectionists loyal to President Donald Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier at the Capitol (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)
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Trump has been invited as a guest speaker, according to the event organizers, alongside disbarred former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani.

A single general admission ticket costs $1,500, while a VIP ticket was listed at $2,500.

Admission for a “VIP Table of 12” is $30,000. A platinum table costs $50,000.

Trump protesters on Jan. 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images)
Trump protesters on Jan. 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Brent Stirton/Getty Images)
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Ray Lesniak, a former state senator from Union County, condemned the event.

"The event's association with January 6th, a day marked by the storming of the U.S. Capitol and violence against our law enforcement, is deeply concerning,” Lesniak said.

“As a community, we need to stand in solidarity to uphold democratic values and advocate for responsible and ethical leadership."

 

RELATED: NJ native who admitted to assault on Officer Sicknick gets prison

Congressional Gold Medals in honor of the United States Capitol Police, U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick
Congressional Gold Medals in honor of the United States Capitol Police (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin), U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick (US Capitol Police via AP)
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Sicknick's brother and mother made an appearance on stage at the recent Democratic National Convention, remembering Sicknick as a fallen hero.

Sicknick's attackers, one of whom was also a native of New Jersey, have both been sentenced.

Estate of Office Sicknick sues Trump, Khater, Tanios for $10M in Jan. 6 death lawsuit (U.S. District Court)
Estate of Office Sicknick sues Trump, Khater, Tanios for $10M in Jan. 6 death lawsuit (U.S. District Court)
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Social media reaction to the planned J6 Gala at Trump’s golf club has ranged from disgust to disbelief. On X, SeditionHunters shared a surveillance video from Jan. 6, 2021. The footage shows rioters breaking a window and overcoming police inside the Capitol building.

NJ arrests, sentences linked to Jan. 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol riot

More than three years later, about 40 people from New Jersey or with NJ ties have been charged with involvement in the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

Gallery Credit: Erin Vogt/Dan Alexander

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