January 6 hearings: Matthew Pottinger, Sarah Matthews to testify in session 8

The January 6 committee will hold its eighth and possibly last public hearing this summer on July 21, 2022. The panel, investigating last year’s Capitol riots, is expected to hear testimonies of two former aides: Sarah Matthews and Matthew Pottinger.

Sarah Matthews is the former deputy press secretary of former US President Donald Trump. Matthew Pottinger is a former deputy national security adviser. Both quit their jobs right after violence broke out at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.

Also Read: US Secret Service responds to January 6 committee subpoena

The prime-time hearing will detail what Trump did — or did not do — during several hours that day as his supporters beat police officers and broke into the Capitol, an unnamed source told the Associated Press.

The House of Representatives lawmakers is also expected to wrap up their findings, which were gathered after hearing thousands of testimonies from individuals who had information about the riots. 

Testimony and documents revealed that those closest to Trump, including his allies in Congress, Fox News anchors and even his own children, tried to persuade him to call off the mob or put out a statement calling for the rioters to go home.

What to expect in the eighth January 6 hearing?

Lawmakers on the nine-member panel have said the hearing will offer the most compelling evidence yet of Trump’s “dereliction of duty” that day, with witnesses detailing his failure to stem the angry mob.

Also Read: Did Trump tamper witness? Cheney’s charge ahead of Sara Matthews’ testimony

“We have filled in the blanks,” Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., a member of the House committee investigating the riot who will help lead Thursday’s session, said Sunday. “This is going to open people’s eyes in a big way.”

“The president didn’t do very much but gleefully watch television during this timeframe,” he added.