On July 1, 2021, the January 6 Select Committee was formed to investigate the attack on the U.S. Capitol during a joint session of the 117th United States Congress to confirm the electoral college count and affirm the next President of the United States. On July 27, 2021, a preliminary hearing was held detailing law enforcement’s experience of the event. On June 9, 2022, live public televised hearings to present the Select Committee’s findings began and are summarized as follows.
- First Select Committee Hearing on June 9, announced that evidence showing that President Trump encouraged the attack on the Capitol would be presented.
- Second Select Committee Hearing on June 13, 2022, introduced evidence showing that President Trump knew there was no merit to his claims of election fraud.
- Third Select Committee Hearing on June 16, 2022, noted the pressure that was put on Vice President Pence to discount electoral votes.
- Fourth Select Committee Hearing on June 21, 2022, revealed how election officials from Arizona and Georgia were encouraged to “find votes” for Trump.
- Fifth Select Committee Hearing on June 23, 2022, more evidence was given showing Trump’s efforts to support his theories of a “stolen election.”
- Sixth Select Committee Hearing on June 28, 2022 included testimony that revealed Trump and the White House officials knew days in advance of possible violence on January 6.
- Seventh Select Committee Hearing on July 12, 2022, Trump was connected to domestic militias.
- Eighth Select Committee Hearing held on July 21, 2022, arguments were made for further federal investigations, and declarations were given that Trump should never be allowed to hold office again.
Date of event: June 9, 2022
Impact:
- More than 1,000 people were interviewed and 125,000 records obtained
- Steve Bannon and Peter Navarro were indicted by federal grand juries for refusing to testify; Bannon was convicted
- Congress held Mark Meadows, Peter Navarro, and Daniel Scavino, Jr., in criminal contempt for refusing to testify
- Findings may be used to inform new legislation
- Findings may be used in arguments to hold individuals legally accountable
Related Resources:
- Covering the January 6th Select Committee: A Summary of Key Facts and Findings to Date, and What to Look for During the Public Hearings in June
- Beyond January 6th: White House Confidentiality and Congressional Investigations
- Trump on Trial: A Guide to the January 6 Hearings and the Question of Criminality
- Executive Privilege and the January 6 Investigations: The Presidential Records Act and Relevant Judicial Considerations
HSDL In Focus: Domestic Terrorism in the US | Mass Gatherings | Military Role in Homeland Security
HSDL Search: Capitol Riot Series | Presidential Crimes
Photo Credit: Esquire