UPDATE: Former special counsel Jack Smith has declared that the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol “does not happen” without Donald Trump. In a pivotal deposition to Congress on December 17, 2022, Smith stated that Trump is the “most culpable and most responsible person” in the criminal conspiracy aimed at overturning Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory.
Details from the private session, released today, reveal Smith’s strong assertion that the riot, which resulted in five deaths and left 174 police officers injured, was a direct consequence of Trump’s actions. “The attack that happened at the Capitol… does not happen without him,” Smith emphasized, countering claims that his investigation was politically motivated.
In response to questioning, Smith said, “These crimes were committed for his benefit,” rejecting any notion that prosecuting Trump was intended to hinder his potential 2024 presidential campaign. The evidence Smith gathered, he noted, relied heavily on testimonies from Trump’s allies, who put their loyalty to the country above party lines.
Smith detailed how Trump actively incited his supporters leading up to the riot, noting that he propagated false claims of election fraud that fueled anger among his followers. “He made false statements to state legislatures… and was aware in the days leading up to January 6 that his supporters were angry,” Smith stated.
Once the chaos erupted, Smith revealed that Trump refused to intervene, stating, “He instead issued a tweet that without question in my mind endangered the life of his own vice president.” Smith’s account underscores the severity of Trump’s alleged role, with evidence suggesting he exploited the violence for his own political gain.
The implications of Smith’s statements are significant, highlighting a stark contrast between the official narrative promoted by Trump and the reality faced by those who witnessed the riot. As Trump continues to face legal challenges, including indictments related to conspiracy and classified documents, the fallout from January 6 remains a pressing issue.
As of now, Smith maintains that the evidence against Trump is strong enough to warrant serious legal repercussions. “Our case was built on… Republicans who put their allegiance to the country before the party,” he asserted, emphasizing the importance of accountability in the face of political turmoil.
This developing story raises urgent questions about the future of American democracy and the ongoing repercussions of the events surrounding January 6. As more details emerge, the nation awaits the next steps in this unprecedented political saga.
