This Monday Dec. 19, the The House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 assault on the Capitol held its last public hearing and announced that it will refer Donald Trump to the Department of Justice. The former president was charged with insurrection, obstruction of an official proceeding and conspiracy to defraud the government. Federal prosecutors are not obliged to heed the request, as it is a non-binding procedure.
On Wednesday, the investigative group, composed of seven Democrats and two Republicans, will publish the final report. During the last year and a half, the committee has held 10 public hearings and collected testimonies from more than 1,000 witnesses. Republicans are considering dissolving the committee when they take control of the House next month.
The hearing began around noon with opening remarks from Bennie Thompson, the committee's chairman. The Democrat gave an overview of the facts and lashed out directly at the former president, claiming that he had undermined American democracy. "There's one factor I believe is most important in preventing another January 6th: accountability," the Mississippi representative said.
Chairman Bennie Thompson delivers opening statements in final public hearing of the Jan. 6 House select committee.
"There's one factor I believe is most important in preventing another January 6th: accountability." pic.twitter.com/XY92xb9CvZ
— ABC News Live (@ABCNewsLive) December 19, 2022
Rep. Thompson's statement was followed by a video of different moments from the investigation. The hearing culminated with the announcement the charges the committee intends to bring against former President Trump. The representatives also called out several of Trump's allies and members of Congress who refused to testify in the investigation.
The January 6 Committee has just referred Donald John Trump to the Justice Department for criminal prosecution.
There is sufficient evidence that he committed multiple crimes.
And it’s past time for him to face justice.
— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) December 19, 2022
A non-binding procedure
Referrals issued by such committees are merely recommendations for the Department of Justice. However, federal prosecutors are not required to act on such charges or officially open a case.
According to CNN, Attorney General Merrick Garland, who will have the final decision on whether or not to prosecute, let it be known that all will depend on whether the evidence presented supports the accusation.
Trump's reply
Through his Truth Social platform, the former president expressed himself in advance about this Monday's hearing. On Sunday night, Trump took aim at Schiff and the rest of the committee members for lying before the U.S. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISA Court).
"The highly partisan Unselect Committee is illegally leaking confidential info to anyone that will listen. Adam 'Shifty' Schiff is all over T.V. talking about Criminal Referrals, just like he was on the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, which turned out to be the con of the century," Trump wrote.
He added: "How much longer are Republicans, and American Patriots in general, going to allow this to happen. These are the Criminals who spied on my campaign, cheated on the Election, lied to FISA Court & Congress. They are SICK!".
