Democrats ask FBI for Majewski records

SANDUSKY — The Ohio Democratic Party has asked the FBI for records on GOP Congressional candidate J.R. Majewski's actions on Jan. 6, when a mob of Trump supporters broke into the U.S. Capitol Building. Elizabeth Walters, chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party, sent a letter to the FBI on Thursday, asking for "any and all" FBI records on Majewski's activities in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, 2021. "Majewski has admitted to being at the Capitol on Jan. 6 and raising funds for others to be there as well. With other Republican politicians being arrested for their role in the insurrection and amid the ongoing congressional hearings on what occurred that day, Ohioans deserve answers about the extent of Majewski's involvement," a Democratic Party news release states. Majewski, known as an avid Trump supporter, participated in Jan. 6 demonstrations but has repeatedly denied doing anything illegal. He told Breitbart News, "What happened in Washington, D.C., on January 6 was awful. What I did in June in Washington, D.C., and [on] January 6 was peaceful. That's the end of the story." Majewski has not responded to the Sandusky Register's interview requests, but on Twitter, he has accused his opponent, incumbent U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo, of running a campaign based on "slander" rather than on issues that affect local voters such as high gas prices. Majewski, who lives in the Port Clinton area, won the Republican primary for the Ninth U.S. House District in Ohio, turning aside more established politicians such as state Rep. Theresa Gavarone, R-Huron. The Ninth District, redrawn after the 2020 Census, includes Erie, Ottawa, Sandusky, Lucas, Fulton, Williams and Defiance counties, and part of northern Wood County. Erie County will no longer be split between two Congressional districts; after the general election, all Erie County residents will be represented either by Kaptur or Majewski. Majewski's activities on Jan. 6 inspired a sharp recent exchange on Twitter between the candidate and Kaptur. On June 9, Kaptur wrote, "J.R. Majewski broke police barricades on January 6th. The men and women who defended democracy with their lives that day deserve so much more." Majewski responded on June 10, "Slander and libel are illegal." "For those of you who want to call me an insurrectionist, be prepared to defend yourself in a court of law. "This is the last time I will say that I committed no crimes and was cleared by the FBI. I broke no police barriers." Kaptur responded, "A lawsuit would bring a full account of your actions on January 6th. In the meantime, we can only take your words about breaching police barricades and disdain for law enforcement at face value." Along with the Tweet, Kaptur posted a 43-second video clipping which shows Majewski criticizing the Capitol police. Walters' letter to the FBI refers to the video clip. "In a recorded video, an associate of Mr. Majewski's states that — during the Capitol attack — Mr. Majewski passed Capitol Police barricades and reached the base of the Capitol. In this video, Mr. Majewski lays blame on Capitol Police, stating they 'were very irresponsible' and had 'pissed him off' to the point that he 'was ready to go,'" the letter says. Explaining the reason for the records request, Walters wrote, "On January 6, 2021, a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol with the intent of overturning the 2020 presidential election. With a gallows set up in front of the Capitol, many in this mob chanted that they wanted to hang the Vice President of the United States. "Over the course of several hours, the mob attacked members of the U.S. Capitol Police — whose sworn duty is to protect the Capitol grounds, Members of the House and Senate, and thousands of Capitol staffers. More than 100 members of the Capitol Police were injured during the attack, and several later died. "With numerous Republican candidates for elected office having been arrested for their involvement in the attack, voters have a right to be informed as to whether other candidates who are actively seeking their vote face similar legal consequences. J.R. Majewski - running for Congress in Ohio — has openly admitted that he participated on January 6, and that he raised money for others to do so as well. Publicly available photos, videos and social media posts corroborate Mr. Majewski's admission."