Investigation into the Capitol storm: final report published – Trump primarily responsible
Created: 12/23/2022, 8:11 am
By: Marcus Giebel
The commission of inquiry into the storming of the Capitol has released its final report.
In it, Donald Trump is seen as the "central cause" of the escalation.
Munich - Donald Trump is mainly responsible for the unprecedented storm of countless US citizens on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. This is the conclusion of the investigative committee in its final report published shortly before Christmas.
The document comprises 845 pages and accuses the US President, who was voted out in 2020, of multi-part conspiracy to overturn the result of the election won by Joe Biden.
"The central cause of January 6 was one man, former President Trump," the report said.
In a speech to thousands of supporters not far from the Capitol, the Republican repeated his unproven allegations of election fraud. After the entrepreneur's appearance, numerous listeners rioted into the building where Biden's election was officially confirmed that day.
Closing Session: The Capitol Storming Committee of Inquiry studied the incidents for 18 months.
© IMAGO / ZUMA Wire
Storming the Capitol: Pelosi Stresses Dutiful Defense of Constitution
"The work of the Committee of Inquiry underscores that our democratic institutions are only as strong as the commitment of those charged with overseeing them," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wrote in a foreword to the report.
She sees the now published results as a call to all Americans to “keep our democracy vigilant and only give our voice to those who dutifully defend our constitution”.
At its last public hearing on Monday, the investigative committee recommended prosecuting Trump on four counts.
For almost 18 months, the committee had worked through the incidents that cost five lives.
The hearings were staged as a TV spectacle in which many people took part.
Comes off badly in the final report of the committee of inquiry: Donald Trump may face indictment.
© IMAGO / USA TODAY Network
Trump facing charges?
Sedition conviction would end political career
However, it is unclear whether and when there will be an investigation against Trump, because the committee's decision is not binding.
However, the allegations against the 76-year-old, who has announced his re-election as head of state, weigh heavily.
It involves inciting crowds to riot, obstructing a public trial, conspiring against the US government and making false claims to the state.
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Trump countered the allegations, calling them politically motivated.
Following Monday's hearing, he wrote on Truth Social, which he co-founded, "What doesn't kill me makes me stronger."
An indictment for the rare criminal offense of rioting could be problematic for Trump.
Under US law, instigating or engaging in insurrection against the authority of the state or the law is met.
This can be punished with fines and up to ten years in prison.
If convicted of sedition, Trump would be barred from political office.
(mg, dpa)