The Jan. 6 House select committee has been making waves with its public hearings, revealing shocking truths about the events surrounding the Capitol attack. Throughout the eight hearings held so far, the committee has unearthed compelling evidence that former President Donald Trump and his associates played a significant role in inciting the attack. With hundreds of thousands of pages of documents reviewed and over a thousand individuals interviewed, the committee’s work is far from over. In fact, they are expected to resume holding public hearings in September. Let’s take a closer look at some of the highlights from each day of the first eight public hearings.
Table of Contents
Day 1 – June 9, 2022
The first hearing, held during prime time television, provided a comprehensive overview of the events that unfolded on Jan. 6. Never-before-seen footage of the attack on the Capitol was aired, leaving viewers stunned. Former Attorney General Bill Barr, in taped video testimony, revealed that he had expressed concerns about Trump’s false claims of election fraud. He emphasized the danger of an administration staying in power based on unsupported allegations. U.S. Capitol police officer Caroline Edwards described the harrowing scenes she witnessed, painting a vivid picture of the violence and chaos that consumed the Capitol.
Day 2 – June 13, 2022
This hearing delved into the spread of the false narrative that the 2020 election was stolen. Testimony from Trump’s inner circle shed light on their efforts to find supposed evidence of voter fraud in states like Pennsylvania and Georgia, where Biden emerged as the winner. Former Attorney General Bill Barr revealed that it became increasingly difficult to reason with Trump after the election, as he refused to accept the results. Brad Raffensperger, the Republican Georgia secretary of state, testified that Trump’s claims of widespread voter fraud were baseless and that none of the allegations held up under scrutiny.
Day 3 – June 16, 2022
The focus of this hearing was on the pressure former Vice President Mike Pence faced to overturn the election results. The committee’s investigation uncovered evidence that Trump and his associates urged Pence to take unprecedented actions on Jan. 6. Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson emphasized Pence’s courage in resisting these demands, stating that our democracy teetered on the brink of catastrophe that day. Testimony from Eric Herschmann, a former White House attorney, revealed that he had vehemently challenged the idea that Pence had the authority to overturn the election results.
Day 4 – June 21, 2022
On this day, the committee explored the extent to which Trump and his allies sought to influence state and local officials to change the election results. Brad Raffensperger testified that despite Trump’s repeated claims of voter fraud, investigations revealed no evidence to support those allegations. Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, a former Georgia election worker, shared the personal toll she experienced after becoming the target of Trump’s false accusations. The hearing served as further confirmation that Trump’s claims were baseless, causing unnecessary harm to individuals who were merely doing their jobs.
Day 5 – June 23, 2022
This hearing focused on Trump’s attempts to pressure the Department of Justice to overturn the election results. Testimony from three of Trump’s top Justice Department officials shed light on the different ways in which Trump sought their assistance. Former acting U.S. Attorney General Jeffery Rosen described Trump’s dissatisfaction with the department’s perceived lack of action on investigating election fraud. The committee’s investigation uncovered discussions involving special counsels, lawsuits, and public statements, all aimed at overturning the election results. The revelations further highlighted the extent of Trump’s efforts to subvert the democratic process.
Day 6 – June 28, 2022
In a surprise hearing, Cassidy Hutchinson, a senior aide to former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, provided a gripping account of what Trump did before, during, and after the Jan. 6 attack. Hutchinson’s testimony revealed that Trump was aware of the plans for the attack and was determined to be seen as powerful. The hearing exposed the chaotic nature of Trump’s actions and the endangerment of those around him. The detailed testimony painted a vivid picture of how Trump’s rhetoric fueled the insurrection.
Day 7 – July 12, 2022
This hearing explored the connections between Trump, his associates, and far-right extremist groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers. Testimony revealed how these groups collaborated to organize part of the Capitol attack. Former White House counsel Pat Cipollone, in recorded testimony, pushed back against conspiracy theories propagated by individuals in Trump’s inner circle. He expressed his belief that Trump should have conceded the election, echoing the sentiments of Republican Leader Mitch McConnell.
Day 8 – July 21, 2022
The final hearing of the summer covered Trump’s actions during the three hours that the Capitol was under attack. An anonymous former White House security official described the tense and dangerous situation that unfolded. Pat Cipollone, in recorded testimony, acknowledged the widespread desire among White House staff for the rioters to leave the Capitol. Representative Adam Kinzinger argued that Trump intentionally allowed the attack to continue, only intervening when it was clear that the mob could not succeed. Kinzinger condemned Trump’s conduct as a violation of his oath of office and a dereliction of duty.
These eight public hearings have shed light on the events leading up to and during the Jan. 6 attack. The committee’s work is far from over, and there is an expectation that more public hearings will be held in the future. The revelations uncovered so far paint a troubling picture of Trump’s involvement and the broader implications for our democracy. As the committee continues its investigation, the American public awaits further insights into this dark chapter in our history.
For more in-depth coverage of each day’s hearing, visit 5 WS.
