Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is facing backlash after a fundraising email sent on Thursday expressed sympathy for Jan. 6 protesters involved in the Capitol riot. The email, titled “We Must Free Assange!” also mentioned other controversial figures like Edward Snowden and called for support in calling out the government’s actions.
Kennedy’s campaign quickly distanced themselves from the email, blaming a third-party vendor for the error. Campaign spokesperson Stefanie Spear stated that the message did not reflect Kennedy’s views and that the vendor responsible has been terminated.
The incident comes after Kennedy released a video petition calling on President Biden to pardon Snowden, who exposed classified NSA documents in 2013. Kennedy has been a vocal advocate for both Snowden and Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder facing extradition to the U.S. on espionage charges.
Despite the controversy, Kennedy remains committed to championing free speech and supporting whistleblowers who risk their freedom to protect the public. The incident highlights the challenges faced by independent candidates in navigating political messaging and fundraising efforts.
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