Trump calls upcoming 'Justice for J6' rally a 'setup'

Former President Donald Trump on Thursday called Saturday’s ‘Justice for J6’ rally a setup for Republican voters — regardless of the outcome.

“On Saturday, that’s a setup,” Trump said in an interview with the Federalist. “If people don’t show up they’ll say, ‘Oh, it’s a lack of spirit.’ And if people do show up they’ll be harassed.”

The former president found multiple ways to weigh in on the upcoming rally on Thursday, sending out a statement echoing the messaging of the potential rally goers. The narrative surrounding Jan. 6 has been warped by some members of the Republican Party, especially groups planning to rally on Sept. 18 in support of those currently detained for participating in the insurrection.

The shift in messaging has aimed to cast those on trial as “political prisoners.” There are more than 600 people charged in the Jan. 6 Capitol breach.

Trump used his platform to fuel that narrative on Thursday, once again projecting his false claim — the very one that drove the insurrectionists to the Capitol on Jan. 6 — that the election was stolen from him.

“Our hearts and minds are with the people being persecuted so unfairly relating to the January 6th protest concerning the Rigged Presidential Election,” Trump said in a statement on Thursday. “In addition to everything else, it has proven conclusively that we are a two-tiered system of justice. In the end, however, JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL!”

Saturday’s rally has reignited concerns about another wave of violence on Capitol Hill as law enforcement prepares for the event. It’s being planned by “Look Ahead America,” a nonprofit led by a former Trump campaign staffer who’s said it will be a peaceful protest.

Law enforcement is preparing for potential unrest, and the latest intelligence report cites an increase in online chatter in support of the rally after the officer who fatally shot Jan. 6 rioter Ashli Babbitt unveiled his identity in an interview on NBC, according to CNN.

The former president has issued statements laden with conspiracy theories about Babbitt's death. He's called the officer a murderer and has lionized Babbitt as a martyr.

Around 500 people have suggested they will attend Saturday’s protest, according to an intelligence report reviewed by CNN.