Analilia Mejia Denounces MAGA Republican Joe Hathaway Following New Photo Showing Him Posing with January 6th Insurrectionist

“The failure to disavow January 6th insurrectionists speaks volumes. We must not normalize nor forget the actions of violent actors who value neither democracy nor the rule of law. A lot can be gleaned by the company my opponent keeps.”

Glen Ridge, NJ — A photo has surfaced on social media showing New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District Republican nominee alongside insurrectionists who participated in the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol.

The person pictured with New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District Republican nominee has been identified as Joseph Belnome, a former candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th District who was present in Washington, D.C. during the events of January 6. Belnome attended the gathering alongside Dion Cini, who has publicly described himself as a member of the Proud Boys and previously worked on Belnome’s campaign.

In response, Analilia Mejia, Democratic nominee for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District,  released the following statement:

“January 6 was a violent, disgraceful attack on our democracy — an insurrection incited by Donald Trump where rioters beat police officers, threatened members of Congress, and tried to overturn a free and fair election. The images of Mr. Hathaway, gleefully posing with a January 6 rioter speaks volumes about who Mr. Hathaway is. Voters are rightful in questioning Mr. Hathaway’s integrity and values. His comfort associating with those who tried to overturn our democracy should give everyone pause. The failure to disavow January 6th insurrectionists speaks volumes. We must not normalize nor forget the actions of violent actors who value neither democracy nor the rule of law. A lot can be gleaned by the company my opponent keeps.”

January 6 remains one of the darkest days in modern American history, when extremists stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The attack resulted in injuries to more than 140 law enforcement officers and led to hundreds of criminal charges against participants. These photos come as the January 6th plaque was just installed in the U.S. Capitol after years of MAGA Republican delays