Trump to give testimony on the Capitol riot: Liz Cheney calls him the 'central player' and says there is new evidence of obstruction in their investigation
- The vote, led by ranking Republican Liz Cheney, was unanimous
- The subpoena for Trump's testimony expires at the end of this congressional term, which is in December
- Cheney also said the committee has sufficient information to make criminal referrals to the Justice Department for multiple individuals
- She said that 30 witnesses had pled their Fifth Amendment right to remain silent during testimony with the committee
The January 6th panel voted unanimously to subpoena former President Donald Trump to give testimony and hand over documents related to the Capitol riot as they closed out what is likely their last public hearing.
In an unprecedented move, Republican Rep. Liz Cheney called Trump a 'key player' of the carnage and said the committee needs to hear from him 'under oath'.
The seven Democrat and two Republican members agreed and voted 9-0 after a hearing that included evidence Trump planned to declare he won the election in November 2020 - even if he was losing.
ADVERTISEMENT
The panel was also shown video footage of Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer and other top Democrats huddled in a secure location in the Capitol, calling round various officials begging for them to call in the National Guard.
'We must seek the testimony under oath of January 6th's key player,' ranking member Cheney said in conclusion of the day's meeting.
The subpoena for Trump's testimony expires at the end of this congressional term, which is in December.
'We need to hear from him,' chairman Bennie Thompson said. 'It is our obligation to seek Donald Trump's testimony.'
Cheney also said the committee has sufficient information to make criminal referrals to the Justice Department for multiple individuals.
She said that 30 witnesses had pled their Fifth Amendment right against self incrimination during testimony with the committee, as she played clips of Roger Stone, John Eastman, Jeffrey Clark repeatedly answering questions with 'Fifth.'
The subpoena comes more than a year after the committee began probing his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and despite a general consensus that the former president will not comply.