A new select subcommittee has been formed by House Republicans to investigate the events surrounding the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Announced by House Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday, the subcommittee aims to delve into "all events leading up to and after January 6" with an objective to revisit and potentially challenge the findings of a previous investigation that held former President Donald Trump accountable for the insurrection.
The subcommittee will be chaired by Representative Barry Loudermilk of Georgia. This move signifies a continuation of Republican efforts to scrutinize the insurrection, amidst claims that previous inquiries were politically motivated. According to Loudermilk, the investigation will address a "series of intelligence, security, and leadership failures at multiple levels within numerous entities."
“House Republicans are proud of our work so far in exposing the false narratives peddled by the politically motivated January 6 Select Committee during the 117th Congress, but there is still more work to be done,” said Johnson.
The subcommittee's mandate includes probing a report by the Department of Justice inspector general, which mentioned the presence of 26 informants at the Capitol on that fateful day. This aspect has fueled theories among some participants and supporters of the January 6 attack, who believe they were set up and not responsible for their actions.
Johnson emphasized the need to “uncover the full truth that is owed to the American people.”
The prior committee, led by Loudermilk, concluded that Liz Cheney should face charges for her role in investigating Trump's involvement in January 6. Trump has frequently targeted Cheney and other political adversaries, heightening tensions within political circles. However, in a surprising political maneuver, President Joe Biden preemptively pardoned Cheney before leaving office on Monday.
Expert opinions suggest that pardons for January 6 defendants could incite further political violence. The attack led to significant violence against Capitol police officers and involved leaders of extremist groups.