McCollum: Trump Betrayed Constitution and Committed Crimes Against the American People

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) released the following statement today after the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6^th Attack on the United States Capitol referred Donald J. Trump to the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution:

"The January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol was an assault on Congress, our democracy, and the rule of law. The violent insurrection was intended to prevent the peaceful transfer of power to then President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris, who were legitimately elected by the American people. One person above all others is responsible for the events of that horrible day: Donald J. Trump. As President of the United States, Mr. Trump had the power to dissuade the mob. He had the power to disperse the mob. He had the power to protect the Capitol and prevent the attack. Instead, President Trump inspired, incited, and sanctioned the attack, as well as its intent to prevent Congress from certifying the results of the 2020 presidential election.

"President Trump's actions were a betrayal of his Constitutional duties and blatantly criminal. He not only desecrated the Constitution; that day he sanctioned and poured gasoline on the fire of a violent attack on American democracy.

"The Members of Congress and staff on the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6^th Attack on the United States Capitol have done our nation a great service by exposing the lies, darkness, and evil behind the events of that horrible day. After a detailed and profound investigation, the committee's decision to recommend that Donald Trump be charged with four federal crimes is historic, unprecedented, and a shameful indictment of the immoral and dangerous character of the former president. The committee's referral to the Justice Department calls for the prosecution of Mr. Trump for inciting an insurrection, obstructing an official proceeding of Congress, conspiracy to defraud the United States, and conspiracy to make false statements. Mr. Trump's criminal actions, his lies, and his disregard for the Constitution and the rule of law must be prosecuted and he must be held accountable.

"I commend Chairman Benny Thompson, Vice Chair Liz Cheney, all my colleagues who served on the select committee, and the professional staff. Their collective service to our nation is commendable and should be honored. The task of sifting through the events of one of the most horrible days in American history was surely painful, but finding the truth often is. The truth that was revealed by the select committee is that crimes were committed by a former President of the United States and those crimes should be prosecuted. I strongly support the select committee's referral and the esteemed place in history their work will hold for generations to come."

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