Former Vice President Mike Pence expressed strong condemnation of former President Donald Trump Saturday night during the Gridiron Club dinner in Washington, DC. Pence said that the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol by thousands of Trump supporters was "the tragic day" and held Trump accountable for his role in the incident.

"I was there at the Capitol, and let me assure you it was not, as some would have us believe, a matter of tourists peacefully enjoying our Capitol," he said. Pence recounted his experience at the Capitol that day, how he refused Secret Service pleas to leave the complex to ensure his safety.

Pence also called out Fox News host Tucker Carlson for his previous comments downplaying the attack and referred to Carlson's characterization of the rioters as "sightseers." He said, "Tourists don't injure 140 police officers by sightseeing, tourists don't break down doors to get to the Speaker