BREAKING: Former special counsel Jack Smith revealed in a closed session with Congress that the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol “does not happen” without the involvement of Donald Trump. Smith’s testimony underscores Trump’s pivotal role in the violent events that led to five deaths and left 174 police officers injured.
During a private deposition on December 17, 2022, Smith characterized Trump as “the most culpable and most responsible person” in efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. The committee released a transcript and video of the session on Wednesday, sparking renewed attention on Trump’s actions leading up to the insurrection.
In a strong statement, Smith declared, “The attack that happened at the Capitol… does not happen without him.” He firmly rejected any notion that his investigation was aimed at hindering Trump’s 2024 presidential ambitions, stating, “These crimes were committed for his benefit.”
Trump faced impeachment for inciting the insurrection, which was marked by chaos as his supporters attacked the Capitol, wielding flagpoles as weapons and chanting threats against political figures. Following his re-election efforts, Trump granted blanket clemency to nearly 1,600 individuals involved in the riot, with over 600 rioters convicted of assaulting law enforcement.
Smith’s investigation has been bolstered by testimonies from Trump allies who have acknowledged the illegality of the actions taken that day. “We had an elector in Pennsylvania… who said that what they were trying to do was an attempt to overthrow the government,” Smith noted.
The urgency of Smith’s findings cannot be understated. He emphasized that Trump not only incited the riot but also failed to take immediate action to stop it. As violence erupted, “he had to be pushed repeatedly by his staff members to do anything to quell it,” Smith stated.
In the wake of these revelations, Trump’s false claims regarding widespread election fraud continue to be widely discredited, rebuffed by courts and election officials alike. Smith’s investigation remains ongoing, with significant implications for Trump’s political future.
As the nation reflects on the events of January 6, the fallout from Smith’s testimony is likely to continue. Observers are left questioning how these developments will shape the 2024 election landscape and whether Trump’s influence over his supporters will endure amid mounting legal challenges.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
