If you needed a reminder about how brain-meltingly weird things are in America right now, you can't really do much better than this.
Several people charged with crimes for their participation in the U.S. Capitol riots have been complaining on social media about the insurrection being blamed on Antifa.
Why? Because it's stealing their thunder by not giving them all the credit for their treason, of course.
You would think someone facing federal charges related to a coup attempt would welcome any kind of alternative theory about the incident, right?
Many of those charged have in fact latched onto the theory that Antifa staged the riot as a false flag operation. But several others have angrily criticized the notion, saying they're proud of what they did and don't want anyone else to get the credit they deserve.
Take, for instance, Jonathan Mellis, aka "Cowboy Screech" because of his cowboy hat and resemblance to Screech from the 90s series Saved by the Bell.
FBI Handout
Mellis had some choice words for the Facebook friends he saw latching onto the ridiculous theory about Antifa.
"Don't you dare try to tell me that people are blaming this on antifa and BLM. We proudly take responsibility for storming the Castle. Antifa and BLM or [sic] too pu*sy … We are fighting for election integrity. They heard us."
Mellis faces several federal charges.
They include assaulting officers, aiding and abetting, civil disorder, entering a restricted building or grounds, violent entry or disorderly conduct, and obstruction of Justice and Congress.
Fellow insurrectionist Ryan Nichols, seen here at right, shared Mellis's ire.
FBI Handout
In a Facebook post, he ranted:
"Listen up: I hear so many reports of 'Antifa' was storming the capital [sic] building. Know that every single person who believes that narrative have been DUPED AGAIN!... Sure, there may have been some 'Antifa' in DC, but there wasn't enough to 'Storm the Capital' [sic] themselves."
It's hard to imagine a more bizarre outcome than this.
The Capitol insurrectionists, who are so devoted to conspiracy theories like QAnon and former Republican President Donald Trump's "Big Lie" about election fraud that they attempted to overthrow the government, are now righteously angry about *checks notes* conspiracy theories. Only in America!
On Twitter, people could not help but laugh at the absurdity of this whole thing.
At least these insurrectionists are right about one thing. There is absolutely no evidence Antifa was involved in the Capitol riots whatsoever.
You know what they say about broken clocks.
@elleuk/Instagram
@elleuk/Instagram
