Julie Jenkins Fancelli, a prominent donor to former President Donald Trump’s reelection campaign and an heiress to Publix Super Markets, gave $300,000, which paid the majority cost of a rally that preceded the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.
Controversial radio host Alex Jones arranged for the contribution to pay for the rally at the Ellipse where Trump spoke, which cost about $500,000, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Fancelli donated more than $980,000 to the Trump campaign and the Republican Party during the 2020 election cycle.
The grocery store has distanced itself from Fancelli.
“Mrs. Fancelli is not an employee of Publix Super Markets, and is neither involved in our business operations, nor does she represent the company in any way. We cannot comment on Mrs. Fancelli’s actions,” the company said, WFLA reported. “The violence at the Capitol on Jan. 6 was a national tragedy. The deplorable actions that occurred that day do not represent the values, work or opinions of Publix Super Markets.”
More than 150 people have been arrested for involvement in the riot at the Capitol that left five people dead.