Former US Vice President Mike Pence has surprisingly dismissed charges against his former boss Donald Trump over his role in storming the US Capitol. “It would be incredibly divisive in a country and at a time when the American people want to see us healed,” Pence said in an interview Monday with conservative Fox News. “I hope the Justice Department will give this some thought.”
The US House of Representatives Committee of Inquiry, which has been trying to come to terms with the events for more than a year and a half, unanimously recommended that the Justice Department on Monday at its latest public hearing in Washington begin criminal proceedings against Trump and others involved. Whether and when that will happen is unclear, as the committee’s advice is not binding on the Ministry of Justice.
The mob in the Capitol wanted Pence hanged
That Pence now stands before his former boss is remarkable, as the commission’s investigation revealed how Pence narrowly escaped the assailants at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. According to witnesses, Pence was only a few feet from the crowd that stormed the building had entered. “Hang Mike Pence,” several of the intruders chanted. The commission also presented findings that Trump had responded positively to these threats from his supporters.
Video: Mafia ready to kill Mike Pence
Incited riot that left five dead, conspiracy against the US government
The allegations against Trump weigh heavily: the panel accuses him of inciting riots. Trump fans had stormed the Capitol when his election defeat to Joe Biden was confirmed. Five people were killed in the violent storm. Trump and others involved, including his former legal adviser John Eastman, are also charged with obstructing a public hearing, conspiring against the US government and making false claims to the state.
Trump: “What Doesn’t Kill Me Makes Me Stronger”
Trump himself has always defended himself against the allegations and repeatedly railed against the work of the committee. He describes all allegations as politically motivated. After Monday’s hearing, the ex-president again attacked the committee and repeated his lie about voter fraud. “What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger,” he wrote on Truth Social, a platform he co-founded.
Up to ten years in prison
The Justice Department must now determine whether it has sufficient evidence to take further action against the Republican. The rare crime of rioting is the most serious: it is committed under U.S. law when it incites or participates in rebellion against state authority or law. This is punishable by a fine, imprisonment for up to ten years or both. If Trump is convicted of sedition, he will no longer be allowed to hold political office.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
