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Mike Pence: "I hope the DOJ will think this through carefully"
Photo: WADE VANDERVORT / AFP
It would be a unique event in US history: a former president is to be tried because he tried to stay in office using illegal and undemocratic means.
This is the recommendation of the House of Representatives investigative committee into the storming of the US Capitol.
The panel unanimously recommended that the Justice Department take criminal action against Donald Trump and others involved at its most recent public hearing on Monday in Washington.
It was to be expected that Trump's supporters would object.
In a way, it is surprising how Trump's former Vice President Mike Pence assesses the matter.
He rejects charges against Trump.
"It would be incredibly divisive in a country and at a time when the American people want to see us heal," Pence said in an interview with conservative news channel Fox News. "I hope the Justice Department will think this through carefully." ' Pence said.
Pence's statements are surprising, because the investigations of the committee of inquiry show how narrowly he himself escaped the attackers on the Capitol.
According to witnesses, only a few meters separated Pence from the mob that had entered the congress building.
"Hang Mike Pence," chanted several of the intruders.
The committee also presented findings that Trump had responded favorably to these threats from his supporters.
Serious allegations against Trump
The allegations against Trump weigh heavily: the panel accuses him of inciting the crowd to riot.
On January 6, 2021, supporters of the 76-year-old stormed the US Capitol, where the Republican's election defeat by Joe Biden was to be certified.
Five people died when the building was violently stormed.
Trump and others involved, such as his former legal adviser John Eastman, are also accused of obstructing a public hearing, conspiring against the US government and making false claims to the state.
Trump himself has always defended himself against the accusations and repeatedly railed against the work of the committee.
The Justice Department must now determine whether it has enough evidence to take further action against Trump.
The rare offense of rioting is the most serious: it is committed under US law when inciting or participating in insurrection against the authority of the state or the law.
This is punishable by a fine or imprisonment for up to ten years or both.
If Trump is convicted of sedition, he would no longer be allowed to hold political office.
It is unclear whether and when charges will be filed.
The Committee's recommendation is not binding on the Department of Justice.
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