ASSOCIATED PRESS
U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks, a Republican from Huntsville, “bears some responsibility” as protesters supporting President Donald Trump pushed past security and occupied the U.S. Capitol earlier this week, a prominent Huntsville preacher said Friday.
Travis Collins, pastor at First Baptist Church – perhaps most identifiable for its giant mosaic of Jesus, said he was speaking out as an individual and not as a representative of the church. “I’m not talking about the president and others who incited those things,” Collins said in an interview with AL.com.
“I’m speaking to Brooks because he is my personal representative. Trump will never hear I thought he was irresponsible.
“But Brooks, maybe there will be some chance I can influence his future behavior. Maybe somebody on his staff will say, ‘Gosh, there’s a Baptist preacher who is mad at you.’ Maybe I could be a positive influence on his behavior going forward.”
On Friday, Brooks defended the comments he made during his speech.
“I make no apology for doing my absolute best to inspire patriotic Americans to not give up on our country and to fight back against anti-Christian socialists in the 2022 and 2024 elections,” Brooks said in a text message to AL.com. “I encourage EVERY citizen to watch my entire rally speech and decide for themselves what kind of America they want: One based on freedom and liberty or one based on Godless dictatorial power.
“The radical left’s absurd claim that I called for violence is pure bunk. I called for exercise of freedom of protest at the Capitol and for fighting for our cause at the ballot box in the 2022 and 2024 elections.”
Five people died, including an Alabama man as well as a Capitol police officer, as pro-Trump protesters stormed the Capitol on Wednesday during a joint session of Congress meeting to formally approve the Electoral College votes in which Democrat Joe Biden defeated Trump. Some Republicans, including Brooks, contested the results of the election – an effort that failed in overwhelming votes in both the Senate and House of Representatives.
Before Congress met, Brooks addressed a pro-Trump rally near the White House.
“Today is the day American patriots start taking down names and kicking ass,” Brooks said at the rally.
About six hours later, protesters overwhelmed Capitol police and invaded the building. Some briefly occupied the Senate chamber while others rifled through the offices of members of Congress – including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
One protester was fatally shot by Capitol police while a Capitol police officer collapsed and died after engaging with protesters. Three others died of “medical emergencies” during the protests, according to Capitol police.
Brooks also drew renewed criticism Friday from state Rep. Chris England, chair of the Alabama Democratic Party.
“If Wednesday was the final act of Donald Trump’s circus, Brooks is one of the ringmasters,” England said on Twitter. “For weeks now, he has been lying to the public and whipping people into a frenzy that he and crew were going to ‘stop the steal’ Wednesday.”
Late Wednesday afternoon as protesters began to leave the Capitol, Collins posted on Facebook, “This morning Mo Brooks called for “kicking ass” (his words, not mine). Congratulations, Mr. Brooks, on your part in encouraging unprecedented violence and anarchy. May R’s and D’s unite to join our God in saving our nation.”
Collins said he does not have a relationship with Brooks beyond brief greetings at two high school football games being officiated by Collins and the congressman performed the pregame coin toss.