Conservative donor and Publix heiress Julia “Julie” Fancelli was willing to spend up to $3 million to support participants in last year’s Jan. 6 protest that preceded the storming of the U.S. Capitol, according to documents and questions from testimony before the Chamber. the commission of January 6.
Extremist conspiracy peddler Alex Jones reportedly received $200,000 from Fancelli, longtime Donald Trump aide Roger Stone received a private flight to Washington, DC, and young Trump protégé Charlie Kirk , the head of Turning Point USA, was reportedly paid $1.25 million for the haul. masses of Trump supporters. in the capital, according to the transcript of his interrogation published on Thursday by the commission.
According to an email cited in the cross-examination, Stone used $50,000 of the $200,000 provided to him from the “rally operating budget.”
Fancelli was willing to spend up to $3 million for individuals and groups to participate in the protest, according to a GOP fundraiser cited in cross-examination during testimony, though some of the funds instead went to the Georgia election this year past, according to the transcript. .
Almost all information about Fancelli’s involvement on January 6 was revealed through subpoenaed documents or in questions about known interactions and statements. Fancelli herself repeatedly cited her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination in her testimony, the transcript shows.
About 900 people have been charged in connection with the attack on the Capitol, including assault, breaking and entering and damaging government property.
The Washington Post previously reported that Fancelli was the largest publicly known donor to the rally, donating $650,000 to the groups behind the Stop the Steal organization. But the transcript of his interrogation, which cites bank transfers and various communications, revealed that his financial role was even greater than previously known. He told the Post he had no idea the event would turn violent.
Part of his motivation for funding the day’s activities was apparently a personal devotion to Jones and Stone — and faith in Kirk’s organizational skills, the Post noted.
“Where are Roger and Alex talking?” she sent a text message to a GOP fundraiser that facilitated her donations, according to the interview transcript.
Kirk had boasted that he had sent 80 buses to Washington, but apparently he had only sent up to seven.
Turning Point USA used $60,000 of Fancelli’s money to cover a fee for Donald Trump Jr.’s girlfriend, Kimberly Guilfoyle, the Post reported. The payment was made even though Fancelli and a partner took an item out of the budget for speaking expenses, according to the transcript.
Publix, which is based in Lakeland, Fla., where Fancelli lives, has tried to distance itself from its involvement.
“We are deeply troubled by Ms. Fancelli’s involvement in the events leading up to the tragic attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6,” the company said last year in response to questions from the Post about its role in the insurgency.
Check out the full transcript here.
I’m a passionate and motivated journalist with a focus on world news. My experience spans across various media outlets, including Buna Times where I serve as an author. Over the years, I have become well-versed in researching and reporting on global topics, ranging from international politics to current events.