The House committee probing the January 6 attack on the Capitol recommended a slew of criminal charges to the Department of Justice against former President Donald Trump on Monday, after their culminating meeting.
In a 160-page summary, the committee labeled Trump as the “central cause” of the attack.
“That evidence has led to an overriding and straight-forward conclusion: the central cause of January 6th was one man, former President Donald Trump, who many others followed. None of the events of January 6th would have happened without him,” the summary said.
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“We trust that the Department of Justice will be able to form a more complete picture through its investigation,” committee member Rep. Jamie Raskin said.
Soon after their announcement, Twitter users took it upon themselves to call upon Attorney General Merrick Garland to take action against the 45th POTUS.
“A nation’s weary eyes now turn to Jack Smith, Merrick Garland and the DOJ. Are we not a nation of laws?” one of them said, while another noted, “Merrick Garland should pick up Trump from Mar-a-Lago. Now.”
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One more commented, “Finally, J6 Committee makes official criminal referrals for Trump & others. AG Merrick Garland, call your office.” Another stated, “Hey, somebody wake up Merrick Garland.” One user tweeted, “Who agrees Merrick Garland should send Agents to pick up TFG right now? Raise your (hand).” A user said, “There you have it. Merrick Garland balls in your court.”
According to sources, for months the committee has been debating the referrals. However, they have been largely thought of as symbolic. It is important to note that the Department of Justice is not obligated to act on these referrals, and it has been conducting its own investigation into the events of January 6.