US House Democrats to hold Jan. 6 panel examining election threats, public safety

WASHINGTON

US House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Monday that House Democrats will convene a special hearing on the fifth anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol.

In a “Dear Colleague” statement, Jeffries said the hearing will be led by Rep. Bennie Thompson and members of the House Select Committee that investigated the Capitol attack. The panel is scheduled to begin at 10 am local time on Jan. 6.

"We must never forget the horrors of January 6th and will continue to honor the brave law enforcement officers who were injured and lost their lives defending the rule of law in the United States," Jeffries said.

He said more than 140 officers were seriously injured during the attack, with many suffering lasting physical and psychological trauma, and noted that several later died. Jeffries also accused Republicans of attempting to downplay or rewrite the events of that day.

According to Jeffries, the hearing will also examine the consequences of President Donald Trump’s decision at the start of his second term to issue pardons and commutations to nearly 1,600 individuals charged in connection with Jan. 6, including those convicted of violent offenses against law enforcement.

Lawmakers who wish to testify at the hearing were invited to contact committee staff ahead of the event.

Jeffries said the goal of the panel is to honor fallen and injured officers while reinforcing the importance of protecting democratic institutions and the rule of law.