On Tuesday (December 6), January 6, Committee Chair Bennie Thompson revealed to reporters that the Committee had reached a “general agreement” to several forward criminal referrals Department of Justice.
Earlier on Tuesday, Thompson told reporters the Committee “will” be making criminal referrals but later walked back those statements, saying the Committee isn’t “there yet,” explaining that the earlier gaggle with reporters was wrong.
The panel met later on Tuesday to discuss how they will proceed. Tuesday’s meeting follows a presentation a subcommittee, containing the panel’s four lawyers, gave on Friday (December 2).
The subcommittee was tasked with tying up all the loose ends, including recommendations on what referrals the panel should make to the Department.
A spokesperson for the Committee noted the panel views referrals as “a final part of its work” and that a decision on the referrals would be made “in the days ahead.”
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), chairman of the subcommittee, revealed to reporters that the subcommittee was still making progress. In contrast, a member of the subcommittee Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA.), predicted referrals would be made within the week.
The January 6 Committee has made four referrals for criminal prosecution to the DOJ, all of the previous referrals related to defying a Congressional subpoena.
The referrals it would give to the DOJ as it prepares to sunset would relate to the crimes the Committee believes were committed as Trump supporters and allies attempted to block the transfer of power.
But who they choose to refer and why will be most illuminating of the months-long investigation.
