Matt Braynard was an analyst for the Republican Party. He crunched numbers for a small firm that specialized in elections and then started a consulting company that had few federal clients. Records show. After several months of work, he decided to start a non-profit. However, he struggled to raise funds. Last year, the group was stripped of its tax-exempt status.
Braynard's fortunes were changed dramatically after Trump's defeat in 2020. Braynard joined an aggrieved Trump group to reverse the election. He received recognition, lucrative fees, and a windfall to help him rekindle his nonprofit.
Braynard and Look Ahead America now have a new platform and are using their resources to present an alternative history of Jan. 6's attack. This was intended to stop Congress from passing Joe Biden's victory and rebranding those charged as "political prisoner".
While many members of Congress, including those who support Braynard, remain mum about whether they will attend Saturday’s protest, it has caused law enforcement to be on edge , which led to increased security measures and worries that other members of extremist groups could also be present.
The extent to which Braynard is able to draw a draw at his "Justice for J6” rally will determine the power and reach of the emerging far right movement.
Braynard is now in his 40s and has not responded to our request for comment. An earlier interview with Braynard was not broadcast live by the Associated Press.
However, a review of campaign finance disclosures, court records and social media posts, as well Braynard’s past interviews with journalists, that he posted online, show his efforts to increase his influence over the last year, culminating Saturday's event.
Braynard stated that he will not cancel the rally at any point, according to WTOP radio in Washington. "This is happening, even if it's me alone with a megaphone."
The seeds for the rally were planted one day after Trump's 2020 election. He made false claims about widespread voter fraud which were later denied by many courts and election officials, as well as his attorney general at that time, William Barr.