Alabama GOP. Rep. Mo Brooks Resists Calls For His Censure After Capitol Riot: ‘I Will Never Apologize’

Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Alabama) is facing a growing call for his censure after defending remarks he made at the rally before the storming of the Capitol building on Jan. 6.

Censure in the House of Representatives is one of the most severe forms of disapproval, but does not involve expulsion. Censure is generally a symbolic move from the House that means a certain member lacks “integrity,” as described on the House Discipline & Punishment page of their website.

At the Trump rally on Jan. 6, Brooks told the crowd that “we are great because our ancestors sacrificed their blood … and sometimes their lives. Today is the day American patriots start taking down names and kicking ass.”

Brooks said he does not believe that his remarks helped incite the rioters that stormed the Capitol building after his speech. In a long, bizarre statement posted to his webpage on the U.S. House website, Brooks details a self-proclaimed “straight arrow” lifestyle saying, “I have never smoked tobacco. I don’t consume alcohol. I have never taken illegal drugs. I have never been accused or convicted of any felonies or misdemeanors.” It is unclear how Brooks’ claims connect to his censure hearing.

Brooks’ statement continues by accusing the House Democrats calling for his censure of misrepresenting his words on Jan. 6. Brooks claimed that his call to ‘take names and kick asses’ was in reference to a hope for increased voter turnout for the upcoming 2022 and 2024 elections. The representative claimed that he is being unfairly targeted by opponents because “I have evolved into a national leader.”

Because censure requires a only a simple majority to pass in the House, the Democratic majority could censure Brooks without any GOP votes.