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Capitol Insurrection Crime Donald Trump

Liz Cheney: Trump’s Actions On Jan. 6 Could Require ‘Enhanced Criminal Penalties’

Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) said Sunday on “Meet the Press” that failed, one-term former President Donald Trump’s words and actions, along with his “supreme dereliction of duty” may require “enhanced criminal penalties.”

Cheney, one of only two Republicans on the House Jan. 6 Select Committee, told host Chuck Todd:

“Our first priority is to make recommendations. And we’re looking at things like, do we need additional enhanced criminal penalties for the kind of supreme dereliction of duty that you saw with President Trump when he refused to tell the mob to go home after he had provoked that attack on the Capitol.”

The Wyoming Republican also noted that what she’s learned since the committee began its investigation has made her even more disturbed by what transpired on Jan. 6:

“I have not learned a single thing since I have been on this committee that has made me less concerned, or less worried, about the gravity of the situation and the actions that President Trump took and also refused to take while the attack was underway.”

While the House committee can make criminal referrals to the Justice Department after their investigation is completed, it remains unclear if Attorney General Merrick Garland will proceed with charges against Trump.

However, something Garland said earlier this month during an interview with NPR certainly sounded like the DOJ would be willing to hold anyone and everyone accountable for what took place at the Capitol:

“We begin with the cases that are right in front of us with the overt actions and then we build from there. And that is a process that we will continue to build until we hold everyone accountable who committed criminal acts with respect to January 6.”

If the Justice Department does indeed proceed with a criminal prosecution of Trump, what might they charge him with? Legal experts have suggested the charges might include inciting a riot, taking part in an insurrection, dereliction of duty, and interfering with the official duties of Congress.

The Jan. 6 committee is expected to begin holding public hearings in the spring.

By Andrew Bradford

Proud progressive journalist and political adviser living behind enemy lines in Red America.

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