LANSING, Mich. (AP) \u2014 One of Michigan's highest-ranking Republicans on Wednesday stood by his false claims that it is a \u201choax\u201d to blame supporters of President Donald Trump for the deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol.<\/p>\n
Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, in a conversation with Democratic Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II on the Senate rostrum, said: \u201cI frankly don't take back any of the points I was trying to make\u201d but rather \u201csome of the words I chose.\u201d He said the siege was \u201cvery real, but the assignment of cause \u2014 that was planned weeks and months in advance.\u201d<\/p>\n
Shirkey apologized Tuesday after the release of a video in which he told Republicans last week that the Jan. 6 protest \u201cwasn't Trump people. That's been a hoax from day one. That was all prearranged.\u201d The statement did not specify the remarks for which he was apologizing, however. He did not speak to reporters following session on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
In the contentious meeting on Feb. 3, Hillsdale County GOP leaders spoke with Shirkey at a restaurant a day before they censured him for a number of reasons, including backing a ban on the open carry of guns in the Statehouse and allegedly not doing enough to fight Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer\u2019s COVID-19 restrictions.<\/p>\n
Earlier Wednesday, Shirkey told a liberal activist who confronted him in Lansing that he was saying the hoax was \u201cthe fact that it was blamed on Trump. The actual event was very real and very, very unfortunate.\u201d<\/p>\n
Trump's second impeachment trial is underway. Democrats say the former president was responsible for inciting his mob of backers who broke into the Capitol and interrupted the presidential electoral count. Five people died, including a police officer.<\/p>\n
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Follow David Eggert at https:\/twitter.com\/DavidEggert00<\/p>\n