The US congressional committee investigating the 2021 US Capitol riot recommended that Donald Trump should face four criminal charges, including insurrection.vFollowing an 18-month inquiry, the Jan 6 Committee also recommended to the US Justice Department charges against Mr Trump of obstructing an official proceeding, conspiracy to defraud the US, and conspiracy to make a false statement. It was an unprecedented development, with Congress having never before made a criminal referral against a current or former president. It was largely symbolic as the committee has no power to pursue criminal charges, and decisions on doing so will be taken by the US department of justice.
However, the announcement was expected to be a further blow to Mr Trump’s chances of winning the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. If he was ultimately charged and convicted, it could lead to a prison sentence and a ban from holding public office. In October, the committee subpoenaed the former president to give evidence, but he challenged that in the courts and did not appear.
On Jan 6 2021, a mob beat their way past police, injuring many officers, and stormed the US Capitol, interrupting the certification of Joe Biden’s presidential election victory. It came after Mr Trump spread unfounded allegations about widespread election fraud.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump points during his first post-presidency campaign rally at the Lorain County Fairgrounds in Wellington, Ohio, U.S., June 26, 2021. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/Files