The House panel investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol on Monday voted unanimously to refer criminal charges against Donald Trump to the Justice Department, capping its work in its last meeting with a dramatic statement against the former president.
The nine-person panel made the following referrals for Trump for his role on that day, with Chairman Bennie Thompson saying Trump chose to try to stay in office through a multi-part scheme and block the transfer of power to President Joe Biden:
- Obstruction of an official proceeding
- Conspiracy to defraud the United States
- Conspiracy to make a false statement
- “Incite,” “Assist” or “Aid or Comfort” an insurrection
It would fall to federal prosecutors to decide whether to pursue any referrals for prosecution, as the Associated Press has reported.
Recommendations by the committee add to the political pressure on the Justice Department as it investigates Trump’s actions.
Trump on Sunday slammed lawmakers on the House committee, calling them “Thugs and Scoundrels” as the panel was preparing for its final public hearing and report this week.
Read the original article
