Jackson Reffitt, a young man who gained attention for reporting his father, Guy Reffitt, to the FBI following the events at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, recently shared his ongoing fears during an interview with CNN’s Erin Burnett. Jackson expressed his anxiety over what his father might do now that President Donald Trump has issued pardons related to January 6. His concern has reached such a level that he has taken measures to protect himself, including acquiring a firearm.
In a candid conversation with Burnett, Jackson described his apprehension, stating, “I just cannot feel safe around him. I cannot feel safe around people he knows. I cannot feel safe around the people my mother knows.” Burnett referred to the January 6 events using the term “insurrection,” which Jackson did not dispute, as he shared his shock and fear about the pardons, saying, “I’m honestly flabbergasted that we’ve gotten to this point. I mean, I’m terrified. I don’t know what I’m gonna do.”
To manage his fears, Jackson has moved to a new location, distanced himself from potentially dangerous situations, and armed himself for protection. He explained, “I’ve picked up a gun, I’ve moved, and I’ve gotten myself away from what I thought would be a dangerous situation.” His fear is compounded by the belief that those who supported January 6 might feel emboldened by the pardons, leaving him in a state of heightened alert.
Throughout the interview, Jackson made it clear that he remains unsure of his father’s current mindset and intentions. He noted, “I don’t even know what my father’s thinking… My dad is still involved with these militias, he still talks with … a martyr’s status. He has no change; he’s more galvanized than ever that I’ve seen.” This ongoing involvement with militias and the uncertainty surrounding his father’s thoughts contribute to Jackson’s heightened state of vigilance.
Jackson acknowledged the toll that his actions and the subsequent events have taken on his family. He reflected, “My father’s actions coming from the Trump presidency and [my dad thinking] what he was doing was right just destroyed [my family].” Despite his feelings of guilt for reporting his father, Jackson emphasized that his decision was made out of concern for safety and the rule of law.
His family remains divided, with his sisters supporting their father, a situation Jackson finds difficult. He expressed love for his family but reiterated his inability to feel safe around them. The tension within the family underscores the broader societal divides that have emerged since January 6.
Burnett questioned Jackson about the impact of January 6 on his family, suggesting it was a breaking point. Jackson agreed, acknowledging the deep fractures that have formed. Despite the turmoil, he affirmed his love for his father, stating, “Of course, I love him. I love him. I just cannot feel safe around him.”
His mother’s actions, particularly her public criticism of him in front of Trump supporters, have also contributed to his sense of unease. “My mom has used my name to sit in front of a crowded room of these far-right Trump supporters,” he explained, describing the anger and hostility directed toward him as “terrifying.”
The Blaze News reported that Guy Reffitt was the first person to be tried in connection with January 6, facing several charges, including transporting a firearm during a civil disorder and obstructing justice. Although initially sentenced to 87 months in prison, his sentence was later reduced to 80 months due to a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
Jackson’s decision to report his father to the FBI was not taken lightly. As a key witness in the government’s case, he provided crucial evidence, including text messages and audio recordings. This evidence played a significant role in the prosecution’s case against his father, highlighting the complex dynamics within the Reffitt family.
Steve Baker, an investigative journalist for Blaze News, offered his perspective on the broader impact of January 6 on families across the nation. He noted that many families have been torn apart, with divisions often stemming from differing political beliefs, particularly those related to former President Trump.
Baker, who faced his own legal challenges following his coverage of January 6, shared that his experiences echo the stories of many others who have found themselves at odds with loved ones over political differences. He highlighted the widespread impact of the events, emphasizing the deep rifts that have formed within communities and families alike.
The divisiveness surrounding January 6 continues to resonate, as evidenced by the ongoing struggles within the Reffitt family. Jackson’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the personal and familial costs of political discord, underscoring the lasting impact of that tumultuous day.
