Former President Donald Trump will not be attending a fundraiser organized by nonprofit Stand in the Gap in support of the defendants charged in the January 6 Capitol riots. The event, called the "J6 Awards Gala," is scheduled to take place on September 5 at Trump National Golf Club - Bedminster in New Jersey.

The fundraiser aims to raise funds for the families of the more than 1,400 individuals who have been charged in connection with the attack on the Capitol. Trump, alongside individuals such as Rudy Giuliani and Anthony Raimondi, was listed as an invited speaker for the event. However, the Trump campaign confirmed to USA TODAY that he will not be attending.

Despite facing federal indictment on election interference charges that allege his involvement in inciting the violent mob, Trump has suggested that those convicted in the Capitol riots should be released. In addition, he has played recordings from the J6 Prison Choir at his rallies, which will also be honored at the Stand in the Gap fundraiser with their song "Justice for All."

While Democrats continue to criticize Trump's role in the events of January 6, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina refrained from commenting on whether Trump should attend the event. However, Graham condemned the actions of the rioters, stating, "I have no sympathy for those who broke into the Capitol, destroyed the place and hurt police officers."

On January 6, 2021, a group of demonstrators stormed the U.S. Capitol while Congress was in the process of certifying the 2020 election results, which resulted in Joe Biden's victory over Trump. According to the Department of Justice, approximately 140 police officers were assaulted during the riots. Tragically, five individuals lost their lives, and at least four police officers who responded to the Capitol riots died by suicide in the months following the incident.

As of May 2024, a total of 1,424 defendants have been charged as part of ongoing investigations into the Capitol riots, as disclosed by the Department of Justice. The violent insurrection ultimately led to Trump's second impeachment. He now faces federal criminal charges for his alleged attempts to overturn the election, actions that contributed to the events of January 6.

With Trump's decision not to attend the Stand in the Gap fundraiser, the controversial event continues to spark debate surrounding the accountability and support for those involved in the Capitol riots. The fallout from that fateful day in American history remains a topic of significant contention.