WASHINGTON -- Attorney general Merrick Garland stated Monday that he was watching the televised hearings by the congressional committee investigating Jan. 6 Riot. Members of the House panel were focusing on former President Donald Trump’s election fraud claims during the second day.
He said, "I am watching and I will continue to be watching all the hearings." "And I can guarantee you that all hearings are being watched by the Jan. 6 prosecutors," he said.
On Monday, the House panel held its second day hearings and plans to hold many more before July 31st.
Garland reiterated his familiar response that the Justice Department would follow the law and facts in all its investigations into the Jan. 6 gun trafficking case in Texas at a news conference. He explained why prosecutors aren't commenting on ongoing investigations, seemingly sensitive to criticisms that the government isn’t doing enough.
Garland stated that they do this for both the viability and the rights of civil liberties of those under investigation. "Eventually, that information is available in the form our search warrant affidavits. In our orders. Our pleadings. And, finally, if there's a charge. We have learned that this is how our investigations should proceed over the years.
Justice Department officials stated earlier that they are investigating whether any laws were violated when Trump electors met with him in seven battleground state and cast votes in his favor. They then sent the votes to the National Archives, even though Joe Biden won those states' popular vote. Federal prosecutors also issued subpoenas for some people involved in the "Stop the Steal” movement.
More than 800 individuals were also charged with taking part in the riot at Capitol.
Garland may be faced with the decision whether or not to prosecute Trump as the Jan. 6 hearings progress and more evidence is presented. There is no evidence to suggest that Trump is under investigation by the DOJ.
Garland denied that there was any policy that would restrict the Justice Department's ability for the Justice Department to bring charges against senior government officials (current or former) Monday.
