A federal appeals court panel has ruled in favor of the Justice Department’s use of an obstruction charge against hundreds of defendants arrested in connection with the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The ruling affirms the department’s use of the charge and reverses a decision by a Trump appointee, but questions remain about the future of the statute and its impact on the defendants.
Posts tagged as “Capitol”
Tennessee State House of Representatives voted to expel two Democratic members, Rep. Justin Jones and Rep. Justin Pearson, for their participation in anti-gun violence protests following a school massacre in Nashville. The vote sparked outcry from the representatives and their supporters, who argued that the expulsion was a violation of their First Amendment rights. Protesters have since returned to the Capitol to advocate for gun reform measures and to denounce the ousting of the two representatives. The outcome of the protests and the response from the House of Representatives will be closely watched.
Tennessee lawmakers voted to expel Rep. Justin Jones, the first of three Democratic representatives, from the state House on Thursday, following their protest on the chamber floor against gun violence. This is the first time in state history that a House member has been expelled for alleged chamber rules violations, sparking debate among lawmakers and citizens alike. The expulsion proceedings come amid pressure from the GOP supermajority to tighten gun laws, with the representatives accused of breaking House rules on conduct and decorum.
Mike Pence has decided not to appeal a federal judge's order to testify in the special counsel's probe of Donald Trump's attempt to overturn the 2020 election. This decision will provide the special counsel access to key evidence related to Trump's actions leading up to and during the Capitol riot. Judge James Boasberg's ruling largely dismissed efforts by Pence and Trump to limit his testimony and avoid handing over documents.
Tennessee Republicans have proposed a resolution to expel three Democratic state representatives from the House of Representatives for their role in a gun control protest at the Capitol last Thursday. The resolution has been met with strong opposition from Democrats and gun control advocates, and if passed, would be the first time in the state’s history that a lawmaker has been expelled from the House. The resolution is expected to be taken up by the House Rules Committee on Tuesday, where it will be debated and voted on.
Joseph Fisher, a former Boston Police K-9 officer, was arrested on Thursday by the FBI and charged with a litany of offenses, including assaulting a law enforcement officer, in connection with the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Fisher allegedly pushed a chair into an officer chasing a rioter who had used a chemical irritant on police. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
On Wednesday evening, Reps. Bowman (D-NY) and Massie (R-KY) had a heated exchange in the Capitol, two days after a deadly shooting in Nashville. Bowman, a former educator, expressed his frustration with the lack of action from Republican lawmakers, referencing a crime scene photo of a little girl sobbing outside the school. He called on Congress to take action to prevent future tragedies, highlighting the stark divide between Democrats and Republicans on the issue of gun control. The shooting in Nashville is yet another reminder of the need for Congress to pass meaningful legislation to protect our children.
A federal judge has ruled that former Vice President Mike Pence must testify before a grand jury in the Justice Department's investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. Pence will not have to answer questions about his actions on Jan. 6, when a mob of Trump's supporters stormed the Capitol, but he will have to testify about other matters. The subpoena for Pence's testimony was issued by special counsel Jack Smith in February, but it is unclear when he will be required to testify.