Missouri Republican Senator Josh Hawley—who saluted the violent mob during the Capitol riot with a raised fist—now claims there needs to be a zero tolerance policy for violence during protests.
In remarks after the January 6 insurrection lead by White nationalist Trump supporters, Hawley stated he didn't regret raising his fist in salute to the rioters. The Capitol riot left at least five people dead, caused over 100 injuries to law enforcement and millions of dollars in damages.
Hawley told Washington Post Live:
"I waved to them, gave them the thumbs-up, pumped my fist to them and thanked them for being there, and they had every right to do that."
But while violence and destruction are something Hawley salutes when the goal is an insurrection aimed at overturning the results of a democratic election, the Missouri Republican is opposed if the goal is equality or basic human rights.
After the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade Friday morning—taking away women's reproductive rights—Hawley tweeted:
"DOJ needs to announce a zero tolerance policy for violence right now."
"They’ve left [sic] radical leftists run wild—threatening the Justices, burning pregnancy care centers."
"No more."
"Protests are constitutionally protected but violence is not."
"DOJ must put a stop to it immediately."
\u201cDOJ needs to announce a zero tolerance policy for violence right now. They\u2019ve left radical leftists run wild - threatening the Justices, burning pregnancy care centers. No more. Protests are constitutionally protected but violence is not. DOJ must put a stop to it immediately\u201d— Josh Hawley (@Josh Hawley) 1656082801
People found Hawley's newfound appreciation for law and order and nonviolence laughable.
\u201cUnlike the "political discourse" you incited on January 6th? \n\nYou have the right to remain silent. \n\nUse it.\u201d— Tea Pain (@Tea Pain) 1656089877
\u201c@HawleyMO Removing rights has consequences.\u201d— Josh Hawley (@Josh Hawley) 1656082801
\u201c@HawleyMO Why? You afraid? You weren't too worried about it the day this was taken.\u201d— Josh Hawley (@Josh Hawley) 1656082801
\u201c@HawleyMO Funny how every time you trample on people\u2019s rights you immediately think there should be zero tolerance for violence. Hey France, how\u2019d that strategy work out?\u201d— Josh Hawley (@Josh Hawley) 1656082801
\u201c@HawleyMO Now you\u2019re all about zero tolerance for violence?\u201d— Josh Hawley (@Josh Hawley) 1656082801
\u201cRemember that the United States Constitution says that "no Person (@HawleyMO) shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress" who "shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against" the Constitution, "or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof." (14th Amendment)\u201d— Josh Hawley (@Josh Hawley) 1656082801
\u201c@HawleyMO @All100Senators That cute. Now do January 6th.\u201d— Josh Hawley (@Josh Hawley) 1656082801
A vocal gun rights advocate, people called out Hawley's hypocrisy.
\u201c@HawleyMO Well they did make it hella easy to get guns\u201d— Josh Hawley (@Josh Hawley) 1656082801
\u201c@HawleyMO Zero tolerance for violence sounds like a good idea. Outlaw all civilian ownership of guns as the most sensible first step.\u201d— Josh Hawley (@Josh Hawley) 1656082801
\u201c@HawleyMO Oh NOW you want a zero tolerance on violence! #UvaldeMassacre #BuffaloMassacre #SandyHook @MomsDemand\u201d— Josh Hawley (@Josh Hawley) 1656082801
\u201c@californilone @HawleyMO how soon we forget\u201d— Josh Hawley (@Josh Hawley) 1656082801
\u201c@HawleyMO You\u2019re a seditionist.\u201d— Josh Hawley (@Josh Hawley) 1656082801
In a 6 - 3 decision in Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization, the SCOTUS overturned the 1973 Roe v Wade ruling that enshrined reproductive rights as constitutionally protected.
Widespread protests are expected.
Justice Clarence Thomas made clear access to birth control, homosexual intimacy and marriage equality are his next targets.
\u201cClarence Thomas, concurring, explicitly calls on the Supreme Court to overrule Griswold (right to contraception), Lawrence (right to same-sex intimacy), and Obergefell (right to same-sex marriage). https://t.co/bVOozFPA5d\u201d— Mark Joseph Stern (@Mark Joseph Stern) 1656079853
Thomas is currently in the spotlight over his wife's extensive involvement in the planning and funding of the January 6 violent insurrection and efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.