Enlarge image
Trump supporters stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021
Photo: Michael Brochstein / ZUMA Wire / imago images
The investigative committee into the attack on the US Capitol has subpoenaed leading Republican congressman Kevin McCarthy and four of his colleagues.
The committee said McCarthy and Republican congressmen Scott Perry, Jim Jordan, Andy Biggs and Mo Brooks previously declined to testify voluntarily.
Therefore, one was forced to take this step.
Those summoned would have spoken to the then US President Donald Trump about the storming of the Capitol, attended meetings in the White House or planned other activities.
On January 6, 2021, supporters of Donald Trump stormed the seat of parliament in Washington - they wanted to prevent Democrat Joe Biden's election victory in November 2020 from being confirmed.
The attack killed five people, including a police officer.
Trump had to face impeachment because he had previously incited his supporters in a speech.
At the end of the trial he was acquitted.
McCarthy is the Republican faction leader in the House of Representatives, in which Biden's Democrats have a majority.
McCarthy initially blamed Trump for the storming of the Capitol, but then took him under his protection.
He is likely to speculate on becoming chairman of the House of Representatives if the Republicans win a majority in the chamber in the congressional elections.
Democrat Nancy Pelosi currently holds the post.
The investigative body in the US House of Representatives is to clarify the background of the attack on the Capitol.
The first public hearings of the committee are to take place in June.
Apart from Democrats, only two Republicans are represented on the committee, both of whom are proven Trump critics.
Because of the congressional elections and the threat of losing the majority of the Democrats, the committee is under pressure to present results as quickly as possible.
ani/dpa