The investigative committee on the invasion of the US Capitol recommends that the Justice Department conduct criminal investigations against former President Donald Trump and confidants. The House of Representatives unanimously voted in favor of it on Monday at its latest public hearing in Washington. The committee’s recommendation is not binding — the Justice Department makes its own decision on whether or not to prosecute the Republican. It is not clear when that decision will come.
Such a recommendation is unprecedented. Because the committee accuses Trump of, among other things, rioting, obstructing public process, and conspiring against the US government. The panel vote is a strong signal, it can influence the decision-making process and lead to an indictment. The final report will be presented shortly.
For the past 18 months, the committee has been investigating how Trump supporters invaded the US Congressional headquarters on January 6, 2021, in which the Republican’s electoral defeat against Joe Biden would be authenticated. A mob incited by Trump violently entered the building, killing five people.
Crowd incited by Trump
The Justice Department must now see if it has enough evidence to file criminal charges against the Republican. The rare crime of rebellion is the most serious. It is performed under United States law by inciting or participating in insurrection against the authority of the state or the law. This is punishable by a fine or imprisonment for up to ten years or both. Therefore, if Trump is convicted of sedition, he will no longer be able to hold political office.
The committee is made up of seven Democrats and two Republicans. He is ultimately a toothless tiger as he has no criminal powers. But the panel staged the public hearings like a TV show – which should have left a lasting impression on many people.
Heavy exposure to witnesses
In the course of the investigation, the 76-year-old Trump was heavily framed by witnesses. This included former Attorney General William Barr and White House officials. Cassidy Hutchinson, a former White House official, was considered a particularly spectacular surprise witness. In the summer, she accused Trump of knowing in advance about possible violence on January 6, 2021.
Trump criticized the investigative committee early on and denied its legitimacy. In November, Trump declared that he wanted to run again for the Republicans as the White House candidate. In this context, too, he dismisses any accusations against him as political persecution.
The former president is currently embroiled in several other court disputes. For example, investigations are ongoing against him for taking secret government documents onto his private property after leaving the White House. Trump could have become liable to prosecution.
The committee itself will likely be dissolved when Republicans take power in the House of Representatives in early January. Several of the members resign from Congress, including the only two Republicans: While Adam Kinzinger is retiring, vice president and Trump critic Liz Cheney lost her seat in the congressional elections in November. (apa, dpa, afp)