NAC Owner Issues Statement On Capitol Riots

NEWTOWN, PA — The owner of Newtown Athletic Club is responding to criticism after he organized a bus trip to Washington for a rally in support of President Donald Trump that turned violent as some attendees stormed the Capitol.

Jim Worthington, a Republican donor and founder of the People 4 Trump organization, said none of the nearly 200 people who traveled from Newtown to the rally took part in the storming of the Capitol. Five people, including a police officer, died as a result of the riot.

"These folks are your neighbors, co-workers, supporters of your businesses and just plain Americans like all of you," Worthington said in a statement issued Saturday. "Not one of them was near the Capitol entrance when the rioting took place nor were most of them aware of any activities at the Capitol until after they got on the bus," Worthington said.

More than a dozen law enforcement members were injured as a result of Wednesday's riots at the Capitol. Worthington said the individuals who stormed the building should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Meanwhile, an online petition is calling on more than two dozen Bucks County organizations, including schools, restaurants and car dealerships, to end their partnerships with the athletic club.

You can read Worthington's full statement here.

See related coverage:

• Bucks Co. Man Among 14 Pennsylvanians Arrested At Capitol Riots
• U.S. Capitol Riots: What To Expect In Coming Days
• House Pushes For Trump's Quick Impeachment After Capitol Siege
• Armed Statehouse Protests Set Tone For US Capitol Insurgents
• 14 Pennsylvanians Arrested At Capitol Riots
• Bucks Commissioners Condemn 'Disgusting' Capitol Violence

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