DeSantis shoots down idea that Jan. 6 rioters displayed patriotism: 'Of course not'

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said at a town hall that the Jan. 6 rioters did not display patriotism when asked by an Iowa voter on Thursday. 

"Did the Jan. 6 insurrectionists display patriotism, as some of them claim they did?" the voter asked at a CNN town hall in Iowa. 

"No, of course not. That was not a good day for the country," DeSantis responded. "I think the media has taken that and the left has taken that and really tried to politicize it, but it was not a good day for the country." 

"Patriotism to me is when you put yourself out there and put service above self," the governor continued. 

DeSantis's remarks come two days before the third anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021 attacks on the Capitol. Jan. 6 has become a major part of President Biden's campaign message in particular. On Thursday, Biden's campaign rolled out its first ad of the year zeroing in on Jan. 6 and the president is set to mark the anniversary on Friday near Valley Forge, Pa.