Michigan's top Republican Calls Attack on US Capitol 'A Hoax'

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Michigan State Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey is under fire for making insensitive comments that were captured on video. During a recorded meeting with the Hillsdale County Republican Party, Shirkey referred to the January 6 riot on the US Capitol in DC as "a hoax."

"That was a hoax from day one," Shirkey says in the video when asked about the insurrection on the Capitol. "That was all pre-arranged."

He goes on to reiterate that the attack was "all arranged by someone who was funding it all."

Shirkey's comments come at approximately 31 minutes into the hour-long video, posted by R.O.A.R. (Reclaim Our American Republic)

Michigan's top Republican also goes on to accuse Senate Minority Leader and fellow Republican Mitch McConnell of playing a role in the attack because he had a hand in the decision-making process regarding security.

"Why wasn't there more security there?" Shirkey says. "I think they wanted to have a mess."

Shirkey issued a statement on his website Tuesday (2/9) apologizing for his lack of restraint, but not directly addressing his thoughts on the events on January 6 in which five people died.

“I said some things in a videoed conversation that are not fitting for the role I am privileged to serve. I own that. I have many flaws. Being passionate coupled with an occasional lapse in restraint of tongue are at least two of them. I regret the words I chose, and I apologize for my insensitive comments.”