Donald Trump is facing criticism from Joe Biden's 2024 election campaign for failing to sign a loyalty oath in Illinois, which says that the former president won't advocate overthrowing the government.

Supposedly downplaying his role in the Jan 6 Capitol Hill siege, Donald Trump, on the third anniversary of the riots, demanded that the Biden administration free those prosecuted for storming the government building in 2021.

Speaking at a campaign event in Iowa on Saturday (Jan 6), Trump called those jailed over charges relating to the attack "hostages" and alleged the government had mistreated them.

<h2>Illinois loyalty oath</h2>

In the US state of Illinois, there's a ballot tradition, whereby candidates pledge against advocating the overthrow of the government.

The loyalty oath is a time-honoured part of the election process in the state. However, it was missing from Trump's package of ballot-access paperwork&nbsp;the Republican submitted on Thursday (Jan 4), reports WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times.

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Condemning Trump, Biden's campaign spokesperson Michael Tyler in a statement on Saturday said: "For the entirety of our nation's history, presidents have put their hand on the Bible and sworn to protect and uphold the Constitution of the United States—and Donald Trump can't bring himself to sign a piece of paper saying he won't attempt a coup to overthrow our government."

"We know he's deadly serious because three years ago today he tried and failed to do exactly that."

As per the Guardian, Trump signed this voluntary oath in his previous presidential runs — 2016 and 2020.

"This is the same man who thinks American troops who died protecting the ideals outlined in the Constitution are suckers and losers – yet calls the convicted felons who violently assaulted and killed police officers on January 6th 'hostages'. He can't fathom putting anything – our country, our principles, or the wellbeing and safety of the American people – above his own quest for retribution and power," remarked Tyler.

Responding to Tyler's statement, Trump's spokesperson Steven Cheung said: "President Trump will once again take the oath of office on January 20th, 2025, and will swear 'to faithfully execute the office of President of the United States and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.'"

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Incumbent Joe Biden and another major Republican candidate, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, have both signed the loyalty oath.

<h2>'Hostage' rioters</h2>

Calling those jailed in the wake of the Jan 6 attack on Capitol Hill 'hostages', Trump during a campaign event in Clinton, Iowa, argued that they should be freed.

"They've suffered enough," he said, adding, "I call them hostages. Some people call them prisoners."

"I got indicted because I challenged the crooked election," said the ex-president, who continues to claim that his 2020 election loss to Biden was the result of "fraud".

(With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump is facing criticism from Joe Biden's 2024 election campaign for failing to sign a loyalty oath in Illinois, which says that the former president won't advocate overthrowing the government.

Donald Trump is facing criticism from Joe Biden's 2024 election campaign for failing to sign a loyalty oath in Illinois, which says that the former president won't advocate overthrowing the government. Supposedly downplaying his role in the Jan 6 Capitol Hill siege, Donald Trump, on the third anniversary of the riots, demanded that the Biden administration free those prosecuted for storming the government building in 2021. Speaking at a campaign event in Iowa on Saturday (Jan 6), Trump called those jailed over charges relating to the attack "hostages" and alleged the government had mistreated them. Illinois loyalty oath In the US state of Illinois, there's a ballot tradition, whereby candidates pledge against advocating the overthrow of the government. The loyalty oath is a time-honoured part of the election process in the state. However, it was missing from Trump's package of ballot-access paperwork the Republican submitted on Thursday (Jan 4), reports WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times. Also read | Trump faces $370 million in penalty demand to New York state in civil fraud case Condemning Trump, Biden's campaign spokesperson Michael Tyler in a statement on Saturday said: "For the entirety of our nation's history, presidents have put their hand on the Bible and sworn to protect and uphold the Constitution of the United States—and Donald Trump can't bring himself to sign a piece of paper saying he won't attempt a coup to overthrow our government." "We know he's deadly serious because three years ago today he tried and failed to do exactly that." As per the Guardian, Trump signed this voluntary oath in his previous presidential runs — 2016 and 2020. "This is the same man who thinks American troops who died protecting the ideals outlined in the Constitution are suckers and losers – yet calls the convicted felons who violently assaulted and killed police officers on January 6th 'hostages'. He can't fathom putting anything – our country, our principles, or the wellbeing and safety of the American people – above his own quest for retribution and power," remarked Tyler. Responding to Tyler's statement, Trump's spokesperson Steven Cheung said: "President Trump will once again take the oath of office on January 20th, 2025, and will swear 'to faithfully execute the office of President of the United States and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.'" Also read | US Supreme Court to rule if Trump can run for president in 2024 Incumbent Joe Biden and another major Republican candidate, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, have both signed the loyalty oath. 'Hostage' rioters Calling those jailed in the wake of the Jan 6 attack on Capitol Hill 'hostages', Trump during a campaign event in Clinton, Iowa, argued that they should be freed. "They've suffered enough," he said, adding, "I call them hostages. Some people call them prisoners." "I got indicted because I challenged the crooked election," said the ex-president, who continues to claim that his 2020 election loss to Biden was the result of "fraud". (With inputs from agencies)

Trump calls Jan 6 rioters 'hostages,' skips signing Illinois loyalty oath promising to not overthrow govt

Alan Hostetter, a retired US police chief, has been sentenced to more than 11 years in prison over his participation in the notorious January 6, 2021 assault on US Capitol Hill.&nbsp;

On Thursday, a Washington court passed the sentence based on his July conviction on charges, including conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding and entering a restricted building with a deadly or dangerous weapon.

<h2>Unwavering support</h2>

An unwavering Donald Trump supporter, Hostetter chose to represent himself at the trial. All through it, he never wavered from his belief that President Joe Biden had stolen the election from Trump.

The 135 months, or a little more than 11 years' sentence awarded to him, was only slightly less than the 12.5 years requested by prosecutors.&nbsp;

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As per a KTLA report citing the United States Department of Justice, on January 6, 2021, the 59-year-old ex-policeman brought tactical gear, pepper spray and hatchets to the government building.

He was retired from law enforcement and, at the time of the attack on Capitol Hill, he worked as a yoga instructor.&nbsp;

Leading up to the riot at Capitol Hill, Hostetter gave several inflammatory speeches in which he echoed Trump's claims and said that the election was fraudulent. He also called for the execution of Trump's political rivals.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened on Jan 6?</h2>

On January 6, 2021, hundreds of Trump supporters attacked the Capitol building, home to the US Congress. The riot attempted to try to disrupt the official certification of Joe Biden's victory over Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election.&nbsp;

The action was sparked by a fiery speech from Trump himself. However, the 2024 US presidential election&nbsp;hopeful has not directly been implicated in the event.

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To date, more than 1,230 of the hundreds that rallied at Capital Hill have been charged for their crimes related to the riot, said the Justice Department. More than 720 have been convicted, and of these, more than 450 will serve prison time.

In December 2022, a congressional commission investigating the January 6 riot recommended criminal charges against Trump. The charges suggested include aiding an insurrection and conspiracy to defraud the United States.

Donald Trump, who has already been indicted for racketeering in Georgia, is set to go on trial in Washington in March. He faces the charges of conspiring to overturn the results of the November 2020 election won by contender Biden.

(With inputs from agencies)

Alan Hostetter, a retired US police chief, has been sentenced to more than 11 years in prison over his participation in the notorious January 6, 2021 assault on US Capitol Hill.

Alan Hostetter, a retired US police chief, has been sentenced to more than 11 years in prison over his participation in the notorious January 6, 2021 assault on US Capitol Hill. On Thursday, a Washington court passed the sentence based on his July conviction on charges, including conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding and entering a restricted building with a deadly or dangerous weapon. Unwavering support An unwavering Donald Trump supporter, Hostetter chose to represent himself at the trial. All through it, he never wavered from his belief that President Joe Biden had stolen the election from Trump. The 135 months, or a little more than 11 years' sentence awarded to him, was only slightly less than the 12.5 years requested by prosecutors. Also read | Donald Trump appears in New York court, calls fraud trial 'witch hunt and corrupt' As per a KTLA report citing the United States Department of Justice, on January 6, 2021, the 59-year-old ex-policeman brought tactical gear, pepper spray and hatchets to the government building. He was retired from law enforcement and, at the time of the attack on Capitol Hill, he worked as a yoga instructor. Leading up to the riot at Capitol Hill, Hostetter gave several inflammatory speeches in which he echoed Trump's claims and said that the election was fraudulent. He also called for the execution of Trump's political rivals. What happened on Jan 6? On January 6, 2021, hundreds of Trump supporters attacked the Capitol building, home to the US Congress. The riot attempted to try to disrupt the official certification of Joe Biden's victory over Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election. The action was sparked by a fiery speech from Trump himself. However, the 2024 US presidential election hopeful has not directly been implicated in the event. Also read | US President's son Hunter Biden faces new criminal charges in federal tax case To date, more than 1,230 of the hundreds that rallied at Capital Hill have been charged for their crimes related to the riot, said the Justice Department. More than 720 have been convicted, and of these, more than 450 will serve prison time. In December 2022, a congressional commission investigating the January 6 riot recommended criminal charges against Trump. The charges suggested include aiding an insurrection and conspiracy to defraud the United States. Donald Trump, who has already been indicted for racketeering in Georgia, is set to go on trial in Washington in March. He faces the charges of conspiring to overturn the results of the November 2020 election won by contender Biden. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Trump supporter ex-police chief sentenced to over 11 years in jail for role in Jan 6 riots

A man involved in the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the US Capitol has been sentenced to 12.5 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple felonies, including using a stun gun on a police officer. Daniel Rodriguez, described by prosecutors as "one of the most violent defendants" among those charged in relation to the January 6 riots, had, as per The Hill, organised the attack with fellow rioters on the messaging app Telegram.

Rodriguez had made alarming statements in a group chat on Telegram, declaring, "There will be blood. Welcome to the revolution," just hours before the riot unfolded.&nbsp;

<h2>What Rodriguez did during the riots</h2>

During the attack on the Capitol, Rodriguez reportedly used a stun gun on Officer Michael Fanone, who has since left the police department and become a CNN contributor. Officer Fanone has been vocal about the insurrection, detailing the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and emotional trauma he experienced as a result. He suffered a minor heart attack and a traumatic brain injury during the riot.

<h2>Rodriguez's victim speaks up</h2>

In court on Wednesday, Officer Fanone said: "I don’t give a shit about Daniel Rodriguez. He ceased to exist to me as a person a long time ago."

He also expressed the erosion of any compassion or empathy he might have had for those who participated in the siege.

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"Any compassion or empathy I felt toward those who laid siege to our Capitol, whose actions I felt were at least in part influenced by their leader Donald Trump and his lies, has been eroded — eroded by the attacks directed at me and my family by supporters of Donald Trump and the right-wing media," he added as quoted by The Hill.

<h2>A confession</h2>

Reportedly, Rodriguez admitted to using a stun gun on an officer in the same Telegram chat later on January 6.&nbsp;

Prior to his sentencing, he said he was "truly" expecting a civil war and also voiced support for extremist militias such as the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers.

In February, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to conspiracy, obstruction of an official proceeding, obstruction of justice, and assaulting a law enforcement officer with a dangerous weapon. Prosecutors initially sought a 14-year sentence, but Rodriguez received a 12.5-year term, which is still one of the lengthiest sentences given to a defendant involved in the January 6 insurrection.

<h2>Blame it on Trump</h2>

During the defence's argument, the man's lawyer blamed the insurrection on former US President Donald Trump, claiming that his rhetoric had inspired Rodriguez to participate in the riot.&nbsp;

They stated that Rodriguez idolized Trump and saw him as a father figure due to growing up without a father himself.

"He saw the former president as the father he wished he had," they wrote in a memo.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/capitol-rioter-joshua-black-sentenced-to-two-years-in-prison-593239">USA: Capitol Hill rioter Joshua Black, who was shot in face, sentenced to two years in prison</a>

It goes on to say that "He (Rodriguez) believed Trump was someone to be admired: a multimillionaire who graduated from Wharton Business School, with his name massively displayed in gold on buildings across the United States."

The perpetrator himself claims that he believed Trump's false claims about the 2020 election being stolen and was radicalised by far-right extremist platforms like InfoWars and personalities like Steven Crowder.

Rodriguez was initially identified by online investigators, who meticulously reviewed hundreds of hours of publicly available video footage from the riots. He was arrested in March 2021. His sentencing follows other notable sentences for individuals involved in the January 6 attack. Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes was recently sentenced to 18 years in prison, while another perpetrator who assaulted officers with pepper spray and a chair received a 14-year prison term.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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A man involved in the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the US Capitol has been sentenced to 12.5 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple felonies, including using a stun gun on a police officer.

A man involved in the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the US Capitol has been sentenced to 12.5 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple felonies, including using a stun gun on a police officer. Daniel Rodriguez, described by prosecutors as "one of the most violent defendants" among those charged in relation to the January 6 riots, had, as per The Hill, organised the attack with fellow rioters on the messaging app Telegram. Rodriguez had made alarming statements in a group chat on Telegram, declaring, "There will be blood. Welcome to the revolution," just hours before the riot unfolded. What Rodriguez did during the riots During the attack on the Capitol, Rodriguez reportedly used a stun gun on Officer Michael Fanone, who has since left the police department and become a CNN contributor. Officer Fanone has been vocal about the insurrection, detailing the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and emotional trauma he experienced as a result. He suffered a minor heart attack and a traumatic brain injury during the riot. Rodriguez's victim speaks up In court on Wednesday, Officer Fanone said: "I don’t give a shit about Daniel Rodriguez. He ceased to exist to me as a person a long time ago." He also expressed the erosion of any compassion or empathy he might have had for those who participated in the siege. Also read | US Capitol attack: Oath Keepers founder sentenced to 18 years for seditious conspiracy "Any compassion or empathy I felt toward those who laid siege to our Capitol, whose actions I felt were at least in part influenced by their leader Donald Trump and his lies, has been eroded — eroded by the attacks directed at me and my family by supporters of Donald Trump and the right-wing media," he added as quoted by The Hill. A confession Reportedly, Rodriguez admitted to using a stun gun on an officer in the same Telegram chat later on January 6. Prior to his sentencing, he said he was "truly" expecting a civil war and also voiced support for extremist militias such as the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers. In February, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to conspiracy, obstruction of an official proceeding, obstruction of justice, and assaulting a law enforcement officer with a dangerous weapon. Prosecutors initially sought a 14-year sentence, but Rodriguez received a 12.5-year term, which is still one of the lengthiest sentences given to a defendant involved in the January 6 insurrection. Blame it on Trump During the defence's argument, the man's lawyer blamed the insurrection on former US President Donald Trump, claiming that his rhetoric had inspired Rodriguez to participate in the riot. They stated that Rodriguez idolized Trump and saw him as a father figure due to growing up without a father himself. "He saw the former president as the father he wished he had," they wrote in a memo. Also read | USA: Capitol Hill rioter Joshua Black, who was shot in face, sentenced to two years in prison It goes on to say that "He (Rodriguez) believed Trump was someone to be admired: a multimillionaire who graduated from Wharton Business School, with his name massively displayed in gold on buildings across the United States." The perpetrator himself claims that he believed Trump's false claims about the 2020 election being stolen and was radicalised by far-right extremist platforms like InfoWars and personalities like Steven Crowder. Rodriguez was initially identified by online investigators, who meticulously reviewed hundreds of hours of publicly available video footage from the riots. He was arrested in March 2021. His sentencing follows other notable sentences for individuals involved in the January 6 attack. Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes was recently sentenced to 18 years in prison, while another perpetrator who assaulted officers with pepper spray and a chair received a 14-year prison term. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Man involved in Capitol Hill riots sentenced to 12.5 years for using taser on police officer