Philadelphia, Pa
Fmr. Philadelphia city commissioner describes ‘specific, graphic’ threats made after Trump tweet
Schmidt, who was the one Republican on the election board, confronted down criticism as Pennsylvania’s election was referred to as for Biden.
“Wanting again, it is simple to see how one step led to a different. How lies about 2020 led to threats in opposition to election officers, and that might result in what occurred in Washington, D.C. on January 6,” mentioned Schmidt in an interview with Motion Information Monday night time.
It was only a week in the past the committee requested Schmidt to testify.
“In a variety of methods it is absurd we’re nonetheless speaking concerning the 2020 election. However on the identical time as a result of folks nonetheless seemingly have questions and doubts about it, it is necessary or not it’s addressed and that is what this committee was doing,” mentioned Schmidt.
Throughout Monday’s listening to on the Capitol, committee member Rep. Zoe Lofgren of California started by addressing the claims former President Trump made about election fraud in Philadelphia.
That features allegations that lifeless folks have been casting ballots.
The committee confirmed video testimony of former Trump Legal professional Normal Invoice Barr, who refuted claims by Trump that extra folks in Philadelphia voted than there have been voters.
He referred to as the declare “absolute garbage.”
“The turnout in Philadelphia was consistent with the state’s turnout, and in reality it was not as spectacular as many suburban counties,” Barr mentioned.
Lofgren then turned to claims made by Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani.
Schmidt particulars threats he obtained after former President Trump tweeted at him by identify. He says threats grew to become extra particular, graphic…and included members of his household, names, handle and footage of his dwelling. https://t.co/oOSRznUNh4
— Christie Ileto (@Christie_Ileto) June 13, 2022
“Actually, Mr. (Rudy) Giuliani advised Pennsylvania state legislators that 8,000 lifeless folks voted in Pennsylvania,” Lofgren mentioned.
Schmidt mentioned there was no proof to assist that declare.
“Not solely was there not 8,000 lifeless voters voting in Pennsylvania, there wasn’t proof of eight,” Schmidt mentioned. “We took significantly each case that was referred to us, regardless of how fantastical, regardless of how absurd, together with these.”
Lofgren then turned to a tweet from Trump on November 11, 2020 during which the previous president mentioned Schmidt was “getting used huge time by the faux information media to elucidate how sincere issues have been with respect to the election in Philadelphia.”
“He refuses to take a look at a mountain of corruption and dishonesty. We win,” Trump tweeted.
Lofgren then requested Schmidt concerning the threats he obtained.
“Because of that tweet, and the CNN interview you gave that said the lifeless voter claims have been false, you and your workers have been subjected to disturbing threats,” Lofgren mentioned.
Schmidt mentioned there have been threats previous to Trump’s tweet, however he described them as “fairly normal in nature.”
However, after Trump tweeted about him, Schmidt mentioned the threats took a extra threatening tone.
“After the president tweeted at me by identify, calling me out in the best way that he did, the threats grew to become way more particular, way more graphic, and included not simply me by identify however included members of my household by identify, their ages, our handle, footage of our dwelling. Simply each little bit of element you can think about,” he mentioned.
The committee confirmed messages Schmidt and his household obtained, together with one which learn: “Heads on spikes. Treasonous Schmidts.”
Schmidt now serves because the CEO of election watchdog group Committee of Seventy.
As he mulls one other White Home run, Trump insists the committee’s investigation is a “witch hunt.” Final week he mentioned Jan. 6 “represented the best motion within the historical past of our nation.”
9 folks died within the riot and its aftermath, together with a Trump supporter shot and killed by police. Greater than 800 folks have been arrested within the siege, and members of two extremist teams have been indicted on uncommon sedition prices over their roles main the cost into the Capitol.
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