The House Special Committee investigating the attempted coup to reverse the presidential election, which culminated in the violent attack on the Capitol by far-right forces on January 6, 2021, has recommended that the Justice Department file criminal charges against former President Donald Trump and his accomplices.
It is the first time in American history that Congress has recommended criminal charges against a former president.
In the final hearing of the special committee that investigated the events for 18 months, the seven Democrats and two Republicans released part of their report in which they, among other things, confirm that Trump participated in “a multiparty conspiracy” to reverse the results of the presidential election 2020 and violated four criminal laws, including aiding and abetting “an insurrection,” reports La Jornada newspaper.
“If we are to survive as a country of law and democracy, this must not happen again,” said Rep. Bennie Thompson, chair of the select committee. He also criticized the former president for undermining trust in the democratic system.
“If faith is broken, so is our democracy. Donald Trump broke that belief,” Thompson said.
The task force’s work is part of a series of inquiries into the riots. Five people, including a police officer, were killed during or shortly after the incident and more than 140 police officers were injured. In addition, the Capitol suffered millions of dollars in damage.
However, Trump has already launched a campaign to become the Republican nominee for the White House in 2024.