welcome to this bbc news special i am laura here in washington, dc with us congressional committee are investigating the january six attack on us congressional committee are investigating the january six attack on the us congressional committee are investigating the january six attack on the us us congressional committee are investigating the january six attack on the us capitol us congressional committee are investigating the january six attack on the us capitol but us congressional committee are investigating the january six attack on the us capitol but to us congressional committee are investigating the january six attack on the us capitol but to hold us congressional committee are investigating the january six attack on the us capitol but to hold its final public meeting. the committee is due to end 18 month investigation with a vote on whether to issue criminal refers for former president donald trump for his alleged role on the attack on the us capital by supporters. who wanted to stop the certification of the results of the

20/20 presidential election. the committee is due to issue its final report later in the week, we expect to hear a summary of that report today. according to us media, the committee is going to converge on whether to make three separate criminal referrals to the usjustice department again donald trump and some of his allies. here to guide us through the proceedings is former federal prosecutor. let's go straight to capitol hill and hear from the bbc north america comp correspondent. he set the stage for us we expecting to hear? that meetin: us we expecting to hear? that meeting is _ us we expecting to hear? that meeting is due _ us we expecting to hear? that meeting is due to _ us we expecting to hear? that meeting is due to take - us we expecting to hear? twat meeting is due to take place at any moment now people are already gathering in the room which is not far behind me here, we have seen some former capital police officers up some former capital police officers up front taking their seats will i understand the actual committee members have not taken seats yet but as you say we are going to get a sense of what charges they will be referring to the department of

justice. this follows nine hearings, public hearings in which they set out their comprehensive account of what happened onjanuary out their comprehensive account of what happened on january the out their comprehensive account of what happened onjanuary the 6th and the events leading up to it. they leave they have shown evidence that proves that donald trump, former president and his allies try to subvert democracy and subvert the election results of 2020, joe biden�*s legit victory and we get a sense of their political and legal goals have been achieved today. what goals have been achieved today. what has been the — goals have been achieved today. what has been the impact _ goals have been achieved today. what has been the impact of this committee on us public opinion, certainly there are lawmakers who let it field the midterm election results in the fact that some election deniers did not win shows that there has been an impact on us public opinion? that there has been an impact on us public opinion?— public opinion? there were some olls public opinion? there were some polls around _ public opinion? there were some polls around when _ public opinion? there were some polls around when the _ public opinion? there were some polls around when the hearings l public opinion? there were some - polls around when the hearings were held that shows americans that were surveyed for the polls that they did

believe that donald trump held some response ability for what happened on january the 6th. it response ability for what happened onjanuary the 6th. it is hard to gauge fully what the impact will be in the long term certainly that is one of the political goals of the committees, certainly for the vice chair liz cheney. she is been very explicit a prominent republican and would she hopes to achieve and she wants to, she believes that they will present compressive evidence to the american public that proves in her eyes that donald trump should never, ever be allowed near the —— white house again. they say through their evidence it shows the decisions that donald trump took that day or the decisions that he did not take into his entire behaviour leading up to january six right from the moment where he refused to accept the election results proves that he is wholly unqualified for the white house. as we know donald trump announced last month that he will run for 2024, the

republican nomination it is safe to say that he fully expects to get it. whether or not the american republic will factor in this committees findings into their decision—making is really hard to say right now. we will get a sense for closer to time to stop the committee has presented its hearings to the american public in a, each of the hearings have been like a tv episode. there was the opening night, prime time. the last time, hearing was prime time as well. it was presented like a t review series i think they are hoping it will resonate with the american public.— hoping it will resonate with the american ublic. ., ~' . american public. thank you so much let's brina american public. thank you so much let's bring in — american public. thank you so much let's bring in former _ american public. thank you so much let's bring in former federal - let's bring in formerfederal prosecutorjoe. there are several cormorant prosecutors working on this committee, would it be unprecedented for a congressional committee to make criminal referrals to the usjustice department against a former president? figs

to the us justice department against a former president?— to the us justice department against a former president? as with so many thins a former president? as with so many things involving _ a former president? as with so many things involving donald _ a former president? as with so many things involving donald trump - a former president? as with so many things involving donald trump we - a former president? as with so many| things involving donald trump we are a-ain things involving donald trump we are again in_ things involving donald trump we are again in unprecedented territory. we had a _ again in unprecedented territory. we had a president twice impeached but not removed, being investigated by the justice department and numerous other prosecutors at the state and city levels. — other prosecutors at the state and city levels, congress possibly weighing in this week as to their views— weighing in this week as to their views on— weighing in this week as to their views on whether he should be prosecuted. 0n views on whether he should be prosecuted. on top of it all, he's expecting — prosecuted. on top of it all, he's expecting to run for again. it is unbelievable, hard to exaggerate where _ unbelievable, hard to exaggerate where we — unbelievable, hard to exaggerate where we are and how looking back at richard _ where we are and how looking back at richard nixon and bill clinton and what happened in decades past, donald — what happened in decades past, donald trump blows them out of the water~ _ donald trump blows them out of the water~ |f— donald trump blows them out of the water. ., ., ~' donald trump blows them out of the water. ., . ., water. if we look at the criminal referrals that _ water. if we look at the criminal referrals that us _ water. if we look at the criminal referrals that us media - water. if we look at the criminal referrals that us media are - referrals that us media are reporting that donald trump and some of his allies that this will be referred to the department of justice, it is incitement, obstructing a congressional proceeding. what are the severity of these things, we have some light pictures now of that committee room where we can see the committee members gathering now. politically

very severe. _ members gathering now. politically very severe, legally, _ members gathering now. politically very severe, legally, potentially - very severe, legally, potentially severe — very severe, legally, potentially severe but these are charges that are not— severe but these are charges that are not brought very often. thankfully. the situation is so unique — thankfully. the situation is so unique it— thankfully. the situation is so unique it is almost hard to make this up — unique it is almost hard to make this up so — unique it is almost hard to make this up. so it convicted, a big if, if a prosecution goes forward and is successful— if a prosecution goes forward and is successful there could be a strong ramifications for donald trump as well as— ramifications for donald trump as well as some of those in his inner circle _ well as some of those in his inner circle i_ well as some of those in his inner circle ican— well as some of those in his inner circle icon it— well as some of those in his inner circle. i can it imagine this could extend _ circle. i can it imagine this could extend to— circle. i can it imagine this could extend to other people. there is a lon- extend to other people. there is a long road — extend to other people. there is a long road still from possible referrals today through including a possible _ referrals today through including a possible prosecution and conviction on these _ possible prosecution and conviction on these charges.— on these charges. let's talk a little about _ on these charges. let's talk a little about that _ on these charges. let's talk a little about that because - on these charges. let's talk a | little about that because there on these charges. let's talk a i little about that because there is also a special counsel, is there not, who has been appointed and the committee chairman just walking up to the dais now which is a sign the hearing will shortly begin. remind us the role of the special counsel in this who is also investigating trump's role. tn

in this who is also investigating trump's role-— trump's role. in some cases as spectacular — trump's role. in some cases as spectacular as _ trump's role. in some cases as spectacular as it _ trump's role. in some cases as spectacular as it would - trump's role. in some cases as spectacular as it would be - trump's role. in some cases as spectacular as it would be for l spectacular as it would be for congress _ spectacular as it would be for congress to make these criminal referrals, — congress to make these criminal referrals, it is almost duplicate it because — referrals, it is almost duplicate it because the justice department is already— because the justice department is already looking at donald trump's role in _ already looking at donald trump's role in and — already looking at donald trump's role in and around january six so certainly — role in and around january six so certainly congress sending this information to the justice department could add some political pressure. _ department could add some political pressure, but the doj will want to make _ pressure, but the doj will want to make this — pressure, but the doj will want to make this decision independently. they make this decision independently. thev will— make this decision independently. they will want to say we are not being _ they will want to say we are not being pressured by the white house, congress. _ being pressured by the white house, congress, so we are looking at the facts. _ congress, so we are looking at the facts. the — congress, so we are looking at the facts, the law and we will move forward it — facts, the law and we will move forward if necessary. we facts, the law and we will move forward if necessary.— facts, the law and we will move forward if necessary. we can look now at the _ forward if necessary. we can look now at the committee _ forward if necessary. we can look now at the committee who - forward if necessary. we can look now at the committee who are i forward if necessary. we can look i now at the committee who are about to begin proceedings. you can see that liz cheney, deputy chair and benny thompson the committee chairman who is beginning the meeting. without objection the chair is authorised to declare the committee in recess at any point. pursuant to how bully house deposition revelatory tent the chair

announces the committee's approval to release the deposition material presented during today's meeting and further its approval to release deposition material that accompanies the release of the select committee's report. good afternoon. and may god bless the united states of america. to cast a vote in the united states is an act of faith and hope. when we dropped that ballot in the ballot box, we expect the people names on the ballot are going to uphold their end of the deal. the winner swears an oath and upholds it. those who come up short ultimately accept the results and abide by the rule of law. that faith in our system is the foundation of american democracy. if the faith is broken, so is our democracy. donald trump broke that faith, he lost the

2020 election and knew it. but he chose to try to stay in office through a multipart scheme to overturn the results and block the transfer of power. in the end, he summoned a mob to washington and knowingly, they were armed and angry, pointed them to the capital and told them to fight like hell. there is no doubt about this. this afternoon, my colleagues will present our key findings, reminding you of some of the information we presented in earlier hearings and telling you how it fits in our broader conclusions. those conclusions have helped shape the committee's final report which will adopt today pursuant to house resolution 503. which establishes these select committee nearly a year and half ago. i expect are found

work will be filed with the clerk of the house and made public later this week. beyond that release, the select committee intends to make public, the bulk of its non—sensitive records before the end of the year. these transcripts and documents will allow the american people to see for themselves the evidence we have gathered and continue to explore the information that has led us to our conclusions. this committee is nearing the end of its work. but as the country, we remain in strange and uncharted waters, we have never had a president of the united states stir up president of the united states stir up a violent attempt to block the transfer of power. i believe nearly two years later, this is still a time of reflection and reckoning. if we are to survive as a nation of laws and democracy this can never happen again. how do we stop it?

this committee will lay out a number of recommendations in its final report, but beyond any specific details and for clinicians we present, there is one factor i believe is most important in preventing anotherjanuary six, preventing another january six, accountability. preventing anotherjanuary six, accountability. so today, beyond our findings we will also show the evidence that we have gathered points further action beyond the power of this committee or the congress to help ensure accountability on the law. accountability that can only be found in the criminaljustice system. we have every confidence that the work of this committee will help provide a road map tojustice and that the agencies and institutions responsible for ensuring justice under the law will use the information we provided to aid in their work. and for those who

have followed this committee's work, i have hoped we have made clear that there is a broader kind of accountability, accountability to all of you, the american people. the future of our democracy rests in your hands. it is up to the people of this country to decide who deserves the public trust. who will put fidelity to the constitution and democracy above all else? who will abide by the rule of law no matter the outcome? i am grateful to the millions of you who follow this committee's work. i hope we have lived up to our commitment to present the facts and let the facts speak for themselves. let me say in closing, the women and men seated around me on this ds, our public servants in the most genuine sense they have put aside politics and

partisanship to ensure the success of this committee in providing answers to the american people. i especially want to thank and acknowledge our vice chair, who has become a true partner in this bipartisan effort liz cheney of wyoming and i also recognise her work the opening statement that she cares to offer. work the opening statement that she cares to offer-— cares to offer. thank you very much mr chairman _ cares to offer. thank you very much mr chairman and _ cares to offer. thank you very much mr chairman and for _ cares to offer. thank you very much mr chairman and for your _ cares to offer. thank you very much l mr chairman and for your tremendous leadership of this committee. i know we all have benefited greatly from your wisdom and wise counsel so thank you very much. in april of 1851 when abraham lincoln issued the first call for volunteers of the union army my great, great grandfather samuel fletcher cheney joined the 21st 0hio industry fighting for all four years of the civil war. all the way down to

atlanta. he marched with his unit in the grand review of troops of pennsylvania no avenue in may of 1865, passed a reviewing stand where presidentjohnson and grant were seated. silas canfield regimental historian of the 21st 0hio infantry described the man of unit display, they said they had a just appreciation of the value and advantage of free government. and the necessity of defending and maintaining it. they enlisted and prepared to accept all of the necessary labourers and fatigues, exposures, dangers and even death for the unity of our nation and the perpetuity of our institutions. i found myself thinking often, especially since january the 6th of my great, great grandfather in all of those in every generation who have sacrificed so much for the

unity of our nation and the perpetuity of our institutions. at the heart of our republic is the guarantee of the peaceful transfer of power. members of congress are reminded of this every day as we passed through the capitol rotunda. there eight magnificent paintings detailed the earliest days of our republic. 0ne painted byjohn trumbull, depicts the moment in 1793 when george washington resigned his commission, handing control of the continental army back to congress. trumbull called this quote one of the highest moral lessons ever given the highest moral lessons ever given the world. with this noble act george washington established the indispensable example of the peaceful transfer of power in our nation. standing on the west front of the capitol in 1981 president ronald reagan described it this way.

the orderly transfer of authority is called for in the constitution routinely takes place. as it has for almost two centuries and few of us stop to think how unique we really are. in the eyes of many in the world, this every four year ceremony that we accept as normal is nothing less than a miracle. every president in our history has defended this orderly transfer of authority. except one. january the 6th, 2021 was the first time one american president refused his constitutional duty to transfer power peacefully to the next. in our work over the last 18 months, the select committee has recognised our obligation to do everything we can to ensure this never happens again. at the beginning of our investigation, we understood that tens of millions of americans had been persuaded by president trump that the 2020

election was stolen by an overwhelming fraud and we also knew that this was flatly false. we knew that this was flatly false. we knew that dozens of state and federal judges had addressed and resolved all manner of allegations about the election. 0ur all manner of allegations about the election. our legal system functioned as it should but our president would not accept the outcome. among the most shameful of this committee's soundings was that president trump sat in the dining room of the oval office watching the violet right at the capital on television. for hours, he would not issue a public statement instructing his supporters to disperse and leave the capital despite urgent pleas from his white house staff and dozens of others to do so. members of his family, his white house lawyers, virtually all of those around him knew that this simple act was critical. for hours, he would not do it. during this time law

enforcement agents were attacked and seriously injured, the capital was invaded, the lateral count was halted in the lives of those in the capital were put at risk. in addition to being unlawful or as described in our report this was in utter moralfailure and described in our report this was in utter moral failure and a clear dereliction of duty. evidence of this can be seen in a testimony of president trumpowned white house counsel in other several house witnesses. no man who would behave that way at that moment in time could ever serve in any position of authority in our nation again. he is unfit for any office. the committee recognises that our work has only begun, it is only the initial step in addressing president trump's effort to remain in office illegally. prosecutors are considering the applications of the context described in our report. as

our citizens all across our nation, in 1761, john adams wrote, the very ground of our liberties is the freedom of elections. faith in our elections and the rule of law is paramount to our republic. election deniers, those who refuse to accept lawful election results purposely attacked the rule of law and the foundation of our country. the history of our time will show that the bravery of a handful of americans doing their duty, saved us from and even more grave constitutional crisis. elected officials, election workers and public servants stood against donald trump cosmic crop pressure. many of our committee showed selfless patriotism and their words will be remembered. the brave men and women of the capitol police, metropolitan police, and all of the all other law

enforcement officers who fought to defend us that day saved the lives and our democracy. finally, iwish to thank my colleagues on this committee. it has been a tremendous honour to serve with all of you, we have accomplished great and important things together and i hope we have set an example. i also want to think all of those who have honorably contributed to the work of our committee and to our report. we have accomplished much over a short period of time, many of you sacrificed for the good of our nation. you have helped make history and i hope, helped to write a ship. mr chairman i yields. this and i hope, helped to write a ship. mr chairman i yields.— mr chairman i yields. as you know this is our— mr chairman i yields. as you know this is our final _ mr chairman i yields. as you know this is our final meeting _ mr chairman i yields. as you know this is our final meeting of - mr chairman i yields. as you know this is our final meeting of our - this is our final meeting of our committee. 0ver this is our final meeting of our committee. over the course of the last year and half, we have presented evidence in ten public hearings, testimony from our brief law enforcement officer seen in the

white house and campaign officials and many others. today, we are prepared to share our findings with you. but before we do so it is important to remember what we have learned, critically, exactly what happened at the united states capital onjanuary the happened at the united states capital on january the 6th. without objection, i include capital onjanuary the 6th. without objection, i include in capital on january the 6th. without objection, i include in the record a video presentation of some of the key evidence our investigation has uncovered. chanting there were offices on the ground, bleeding. — there were offices on the ground, bleeding, throwing up i saw friends with blood — bleeding, throwing up i saw friends with blood all over their faces, i was slipping in peoples blood. asl was slipping in peoples blood. as i was slipping in peoples blood. as i was swarmed _ was slipping in peoples blood. as i was swarmed by a violent mob they

ripped _ was swarmed by a violent mob they ripped off— was swarmed by a violent mob they ripped off my— was swarmed by a violent mob they ripped off my badge. _ was swarmed by a violent mob they ripped off my badge, they- was swarmed by a violent mob they ripped off my badge, they grabbedl was swarmed by a violent mob theyl ripped off my badge, they grabbed it and strip— ripped off my badge, they grabbed it and strip me — ripped off my badge, they grabbed it and strip me of— ripped off my badge, they grabbed it and strip me of my— ripped off my badge, they grabbed it and strip me of my radio, _ ripped off my badge, they grabbed it and strip me of my radio, a seized i and strip me of my radio, a seized ammunition — and strip me of my radio, a seized ammunition that— and strip me of my radio, a seized ammunition that was _ and strip me of my radio, a seized ammunition that was secure - and strip me of my radio, a seized ammunition that was secure to . and strip me of my radio, a seizedj ammunition that was secure to my body, _ ammunition that was secure to my body, they— ammunition that was secure to my body, they began— ammunition that was secure to my body, they began to _ ammunition that was secure to my body, they began to beat - ammunition that was secure to my body, they began to beat me - ammunition that was secure to my body, they began to beat me with| body, they began to beat me with their fists— body, they began to beat me with their fists and _ body, they began to beat me with their fists and what _ body, they began to beat me with their fists and what felt _ body, they began to beat me with their fists and what felt like - body, they began to beat me with their fists and what felt like hard. their fists and what felt like hard metal— their fists and what felt like hard metal objects _ their fists and what felt like hard metal objects. the— their fists and what felt like hard metal objects-— their fists and what felt like hard metal objects. metal ob'ects. the key thing to do is to metal objects. the key thing to do is to claim victory, _ metal objects. the key thing to do is to claim victory, we _ metal objects. the key thing to do is to claim victory, we won, - metal objects. the key thing to do is to claim victory, we won, you i metal objects. the key thing to do | is to claim victory, we won, you are wrong, _ is to claim victory, we won, you are wrong, expletive. the is to claim victory, we won, you are wrong, expletive.— is to claim victory, we won, you are wrong, expletive. the president, on election night _ wrong, expletive. the president, on election night claim _ wrong, expletive. the president, on election night claim that _ wrong, expletive. the president, on election night claim that there - wrong, expletive. the president, on election night claim that there was i election night claim that there was a major— election night claim that there was a major fraud — election night claim that there was a major fraud under— election night claim that there was a major fraud under way, - election night claim that there was a major fraud under way, this - a major fraud under way, this happened _ a major fraud under way, this happened as _ a major fraud under way, this happened as far— a major fraud under way, this happened as far as _ a major fraud under way, this happened as far as i - a major fraud under way, this happened as far as i can- a major fraud under way, this happened as far as i can tell. a major fraud under way, this - happened as far as i can tell before there _ happened as far as i can tell before there is— happened as far as i can tell before there is actually— happened as far as i can tell before there is actually any— happened as far as i can tell before there is actually any potential - happened as far as i can tell before there is actually any potential of i there is actually any potential of looking at — there is actually any potential of looking at evidence. _ there is actually any potential of looking at evidence. i— there is actually any potential of looking at evidence. i did - there is actually any potential of looking at evidence.— there is actually any potential of looking at evidence. i did not think what was happening _ looking at evidence. i did not think what was happening was _ looking at evidence. i did not think what was happening was honest i looking at evidence. i did not think. what was happening was honest and professional at the time. so that me stepping _ professional at the time. so that me stepping away. professional at the time. so that me stepping away-— stepping away. generally we discussed — stepping away. generally we discussed on _ stepping away. generally we discussed on that _ stepping away. generally we discussed on that topic - stepping away. generally we discussed on that topic was l stepping away. generally we - discussed on that topic was whether the fraud, _ discussed on that topic was whether the fraud, maladministration, - the fraud, maladministration, abuse ~~ _ the fraud, maladministration, abuse... ~ ., ., . ., abuse... we are watching a presentation _ abuse... we are watching a presentation by _ abuse... we are watching a presentation by the - abuse... we are watching a - presentation by the congressional committee investigating the january the 6th attack on the us capital,

they are reminding us what we have learned during the public hearings and just a warning, that we are hearing profanities, that was gathered in evidence by the committee. just a warning to viewers who may be upset by some of the violent images they may see and also the profanities. just going back now and listening into this recap of the evidence that the committee has gathered during its public hearings. what were the chances of president trump _ what were the chances of president trump think the election? after that oint? trump think the election? after that point? none- _ trump think the election? after that point? none. so— trump think the election? after that point? none. so what— trump think the election? after that point? none. so what are _ trump think the election? after that point? none. so what are you - trump think the election? after that point? none. so what are you going | point? none. so what are you going to do because _ point? none. so what are you going to do because i _ point? none. so what are you going to do because i only _ point? none. so what are you going to do because i only need _ point? none. so what are you going to do because i only need 11,000 i to do because i only need 11,000 votes. _ to do because i only need 11,000 votes, fellas i need 11,000 votes, -ive votes, fellas i need 11,000 votes, give me _ votes, fellas i need 11,000 votes, give me a — votes, fellas i need 11,000 votes, give me a break. the votes, fellas i need 11,000 votes, give me a break.— votes, fellas i need 11,000 votes, give me a break. the numbers are the numbers the — give me a break. the numbers are the numbers the numbers _ give me a break. the numbers are the numbers the numbers don't _ give me a break. the numbers are the numbers the numbers don't lie - numbers the numbers don't lie but many— numbers the numbers don't lie but many allegations _ numbers the numbers don't lie but many allegations and _ numbers the numbers don't lie but many allegations and be _ numbers the numbers don't lie but . many allegations and be investigated every single — many allegations and be investigated every single one _ many allegations and be investigated every single one of _ many allegations and be investigated every single one of them. _ many allegations and be investigated every single one of them. one - many allegations and be investigated every single one of them.— every single one of them. one of them made _ every single one of them. one of them made a _ every single one of them. one of them made a comment - every single one of them. one of them made a comment that - every single one of them. one of. them made a comment that they did not have _ them made a comment that they did not have evidence but they had a lot of theories — not have evidence but they had a lot of theories. .

not have evidence but they had a lot of theories-— of theories. that was mr giuliani,. what exactly _ of theories. that was mr giuliani,. what exactly did _ of theories. that was mr giuliani,. what exactly did he _ of theories. that was mr giuliani,. what exactly did he say. _ of theories. that was mr giuliani,. what exactly did he say. he - of theories. that was mr giuliani,. what exactly did he say. he said l what exactly did he say. he said have _ what exactly did he say. he said have lots — what exactly did he say. he said have lots of— what exactly did he say. he said have lots of but _ what exactly did he say. he said have lots of but we _ what exactly did he say. he said have lots of but we do _ what exactly did he say. he said have lots of but we do not - what exactly did he say. he said have lots of but we do not have i have lots of but we do not have evidence — have lots of but we do not have evidence. you _ have lots of but we do not have evidence. you are _ have lots of but we do not have evidence. you are asking - have lots of but we do not have evidence. you are asking me i have lots of but we do not have evidence. you are asking me to do something — evidence. you are asking me to do something that _ evidence. you are asking me to do something that has _ evidence. you are asking me to do something that has never- evidence. you are asking me to do something that has never been - evidence. you are asking me to do. something that has never been done in the _ something that has never been done in the history— something that has never been done in the history of— something that has never been done in the history of the _ something that has never been done in the history of the united - something that has never been done in the history of the united states. l in the history of the united states. and i_ in the history of the united states. and i am _ in the history of the united states. and i am going _ in the history of the united states. and i am going to— in the history of the united states. and i am going to put— in the history of the united states. and i am going to put my- in the history of the united states. and i am going to put my state - and i am going to put my state through— and i am going to put my state through that _ and i am going to put my state through that without _ and i am going to put my state through that without sufficientl through that without sufficient proof? — through that without sufficient proof? a — through that without sufficient proof? a to _ through that without sufficient proof? a to earlier— through that without sufficient proof? a to earlier in - through that without sufficient proof? a to earlier in the - through that without sufficient proof? a to earlier in the day. through that without sufficient. proof? a to earlier in the day of the gentleman— proof? a to earlier in the day of the gentleman quite _ proof? a to earlier in the day of the gentleman quite obviously, | the gentleman quite obviously, passing — the gentleman quite obviously, passing around _ the gentleman quite obviously, passing around us— the gentleman quite obviously, passing around us seaports - the gentleman quite obviously, passing around us seaports asi the gentleman quite obviously, i passing around us seaports as if they are — passing around us seaports as if they are islands _ passing around us seaports as if they are islands of— passing around us seaports as if they are islands of haran - passing around us seaports as if they are islands of haran or- they are islands of haran or cocaine _ they are islands of haran or cocaine-— they are islands of haran or cocaine. ~ ,, ., ,, they are islands of haran or cocaine. . ,, ., ,, ., cocaine. witnessing a passing of a usb drive what _ cocaine. witnessing a passing of a usb drive what was _ cocaine. witnessing a passing of a usb drive what was your - cocaine. witnessing a passing of a usb drive what was your mum - cocaine. witnessing a passing of a - usb drive what was your mum actually handing you on that video? es, usb drive what was your mum actually handing you on that video?— handing you on that video? a ginger mint. do handing you on that video? a ginger mint- do you — handing you on that video? a ginger mint. do you know— handing you on that video? a ginger mint. do you know how _ handing you on that video? a ginger mint. do you know how it _ handing you on that video? a ginger mint. do you know how it feels -

handing you on that video? a ginger mint. do you know how it feels to i mint. do you know how it feels to have the president _ mint. do you know how it feels to have the president of _ mint. do you know how it feels to have the president of the - mint. do you know how it feels to have the president of the united | have the president of the united states to — have the president of the united states to target _ have the president of the united states to target you? _ have the president of the united states to target you? the - have the president of the united i states to target you? the president of the _ states to target you? the president of the united — states to target you? the president of the united states _ states to target you? the president of the united states is— states to target you? the president of the united states is supposed i states to target you? the president of the united states is supposed to| of the united states is supposed to represent _ of the united states is supposed to represent every _ of the united states is supposed to represent every american. - of the united states is supposed to represent every american. not i of the united states is supposed to i represent every american. not target one. i made it clear that i did not agree with the _ i made it clear that i did not agree with the idea of saying the election was stolen — with the idea of saying the election was stolen and putting out the stuff, — was stolen and putting out the stuff, which i told the president was ps~ — stuff, which i told the president was ps. ., ., ., ., ,, ., was ps. you want to talk about the fact that the _ was ps. you want to talk about the fact that the election _ was ps. you want to talk about the fact that the election had _ was ps. you want to talk about the fact that the election had been i fact that the election had been stolen — fact that the election had been stolen or— fact that the election had been stolen or was— fact that the election had been stolen or was corrupt - fact that the election had been stolen or was corrupt and i fact that the election had been stolen or was corrupt and that| fact that the election had been i stolen or was corrupt and that there was widespread _ stolen or was corrupt and that there was widespread fraud _ stolen or was corrupt and that there was widespread fraud and _ stolen or was corrupt and that there was widespread fraud and i- stolen or was corrupt and that there was widespread fraud and i told i stolen or was corrupt and that there was widespread fraud and i told him that our— was widespread fraud and i told him that our reviews _ was widespread fraud and i told him that our reviews had _ was widespread fraud and i told him that our reviews had not _ was widespread fraud and i told him that our reviews had not shown i was widespread fraud and i told him that our reviews had not shown thatj that our reviews had not shown that to be _ that our reviews had not shown that to be the _ that our reviews had not shown that to be the case _ that our reviews had not shown that to be the case i— that our reviews had not shown that to be the case-— to be the case. i said something to the effect of, _ to be the case. i said something to the effect of, sir _ to be the case. i said something to the effect of, sir we _ to be the case. i said something to the effect of, sir we have - to be the case. i said something to the effect of, sir we have done i the effect of, sir we have done dozens— the effect of, sir we have done dozens of— the effect of, sir we have done dozens of investigations, interviews, the major allegations are not— interviews, the major allegations are not supported by the evidence. my first— are not supported by the evidence. my first thought was, this is a terrible — my first thought was, this is a terrible idea _ my first thought was, this is a terrible idea and _ my first thought was, this is a terrible idea and this - my first thought was, this is a terrible idea and this man- my first thought was, this is a i terrible idea and this man cannot be installed _ terrible idea and this man cannot be installed as — terrible idea and this man cannot be installed as the _ terrible idea and this man cannot be installed as the acting _ terrible idea and this man cannot be installed as the acting attorney- terrible idea and this man cannot be installed as the acting attorney of. installed as the acting attorney of the united — installed as the acting attorney of

the united states. _ installed as the acting attorney of the united states. how— installed as the acting attorney of the united states.— installed as the acting attorney of the united states. how would you describe the _ the united states. how would you describe the georgia _ the united states. how would you describe the georgia letter- the united states. how would you describe the georgia letter at i describe the georgia letter at described as a expletive murder suicide — described as a expletive murder suicide pact. described as a expletive murder suicide pact-— described as a expletive murder suicide pact. yes. was it your impression — suicide pact. yes. was it your impression that _ suicide pact. yes. was it your impression that vice - suicide pact. yes. was it your impression that vice president pans conveyed _ impression that vice president pans conveyed his position not through the world — conveyed his position not through the world but directly to president trump? _ the world but directly to president trum - ? a , , the world but directly to president trump?_ my - the world but directly to president trump?_ my view - the world but directly to president trump?_ my view is l the world but directly to president i trump?_ my view is that trump? many times. my view is that the vice president _ trump? many times. my view is that the vice president did _ trump? many times. my view is that the vice president did not _ trump? many times. my view is that the vice president did not have i trump? many times. my view is that the vice president did not have the l the vice president did not have the legal authority to do anything. i said, legal authority to do anything. said, hold legal authority to do anything. i said, hold on a second i want to understand what— said, hold on a second i want to understand what you're - said, hold on a second i want to understand what you're saying. | said, hold on a second i want to i understand what you're saying. you are saying _ understand what you're saying. you are saying that _ understand what you're saying. you are saying that you _ understand what you're saying. you are saying that you believe - understand what you're saying. you are saying that you believe the i understand what you're saying. you are saying that you believe the vice| are saying that you believe the vice president. — are saying that you believe the vice president. acting _ are saying that you believe the vice president, acting president- are saying that you believe the vice president, acting president of- are saying that you believe the vice president, acting president of the i president, acting president of the senate _ president, acting president of the senate it— president, acting president of the senate it can _ president, acting president of the senate it can be _ president, acting president of the senate it can be the _ president, acting president of the senate it can be the sole - senate it can be the sole decision—maker- senate it can be the sole decision—maker as - senate it can be the sole decision—maker as to, i senate it can be the sole i decision—maker as to, and senate it can be the sole - decision—maker as to, and your 30 the next _ decision—maker as to, and your 30 the next president— decision—maker as to, and your 30 the next president of— decision—maker as to, and your 30 the next president of the - decision—maker as to, and your 30 the next president of the united i the next president of the united states? — the next president of the united states? and _ the next president of the united states? and he _ the next president of the united states? and he said _ the next president of the united states? and he said yes. - the next president of the united states? and he said yes. and i. the next president of the united i states? and he said yes. and i said are you _ states? and he said yes. and i said are you out — states? and he said yes. and i said are you out of— states? and he said yes. and i said are you out of your— states? and he said yes. and i said

are you out of your as _ states? and he said yes. and i said are you out of your as in _ states? and he said yes. and i said are you out of your as in mind. - states? and he said yes. and i said are you out of your as in mind. ”i'he| are you out of your as in mind. the attention was _ are you out of your as in mind. the attention was on _ are you out of your as in mind. attention was on what mike could are you out of your as in mind.- attention was on what mike could do, there was— attention was on what mike could do, there was a _ attention was on what mike could do, there was a telephone conversation is that— there was a telephone conversation is that correct? the there was a telephone conversation is that correct?— is that correct? the conversation was pretty _ is that correct? the conversation was pretty heated. _ is that correct? the conversation was pretty heated. i _ is that correct? the conversation was pretty heated. i apologise i is that correct? the conversation | was pretty heated. i apologise for bein: was pretty heated. i apologise for being impolite but _ was pretty heated. i apologise for being impolite but do _ was pretty heated. i apologise for being impolite but do you - was pretty heated. i apologise for. being impolite but do you remember what she _ being impolite but do you remember what she said, what her father catted — what she said, what her father called him?— what she said, what her father ealled him?— what she said, what her father called him?_ it - what she said, what her father| called him?_ it was what she said, what her father- called him?_ it was clear called him? the p word. it was clear that it was — called him? the p word. it was clear that it was escalating _ called him? the p word. it was clear that it was escalating quickly. - called him? the p word. it was clear that it was escalating quickly. so - that it was escalating quickly. so then when— that it was escalating quickly. so then when that sweet of, mike pence was sent— then when that sweet of, mike pence was sent out, to meet, i remember saying — was sent out, to meet, i remember saying that _ was sent out, to meet, i remember saying that was the last thing that needed _ saying that was the last thing that needed to be tweeted at the moment it was— needed to be tweeted at the moment it was like _ needed to be tweeted at the moment it was like his pouring gas on the fire _ it was like his pouring gas on the fire. , . ., , _, ., ., fire. they are on the second floor movin: fire. they are on the second floor moving in now. — fire. they are on the second floor moving in now, we _ fire. they are on the second floor moving in now, we may- fire. they are on the second floor moving in now, we may want - fire. they are on the second floor moving in now, we may want to l fire. they are on the second floor - moving in now, we may want to keep them _ moving in now, we may want to keep them from _ moving in now, we may want to keep them from leaving _ moving in now, we may want to keep

them from leaving now. _ moving in now, we may want to keep them from leaving now. the- moving in now, we may want to keep them from leaving now. the members of the detail— them from leaving now. the members of the detail at _ them from leaving now. the members of the detail at this _ them from leaving now. the members of the detail at this time, _ them from leaving now. the members of the detail at this time, there - of the detail at this time, there were _ of the detail at this time, there were calls _ of the detail at this time, there were calls by family members... approximately 40 feet that's all there _ approximately 40 feet that's all there was, _ approximately 40 feet that's all there was, 40 _ approximately 40 feet that's all there was, 40 feet _ approximately 40 feet that's all there was, 40 feet between - approximately 40 feet that's all| there was, 40 feet between vice president— there was, 40 feet between vice president in— there was, 40 feet between vice president in the _ there was, 40 feet between vice president in the mob. _ there was, 40 feet between vice president in the mob.— there was, 40 feet between vice president in the mob. donald trump and his allies _ president in the mob. donald trump and his allies and _ president in the mob. donald trump and his allies and supporters - president in the mob. donald trump and his allies and supporters are - president in the mob. donald trump and his allies and supporters are a l and his allies and supporters are a clear— and his allies and supporters are a clear and — and his allies and supporters are a clear and present danger to american democracy— clear and present danger to american democracy for. we clear and present danger to american democracy for-— democracy for. we have information su . . estin . democracy for. we have information suggesting that _ democracy for. we have information suggesting that two _ democracy for. we have information suggesting that two very _ democracy for. we have information suggesting that two very violent - suggesting that two very violent individuals— suggesting that two very violent individuals were _ suggesting that two very violent individuals were organising - suggesting that two very violent individuals were organising to l suggesting that two very violent - individuals were organising to come to dc _ individuals were organising to come to dc i— individuals were organising to come to dc. , individuals were organising to come to dc. , ., individuals were organising to come to dc. ., y individuals were organising to come todc. ., y , ., ., to dc. i spoke to rudy giuliani and i soke to to dc. i spoke to rudy giuliani and i spoke to him _ to dc. i spoke to rudy giuliani and i spoke to him that _ to dc. i spoke to rudy giuliani and i spoke to him that evening - to dc. i spoke to rudy giuliani and i spoke to him that evening he - i spoke to him that evening he looked — i spoke to him that evening he looked to me and said something to be effective, are you excited for january— be effective, are you excited for january the 6th, it will be a great day. _ january the 6th, it will be a great day. i— january the 6th, it will be a great day, i remember looking to him and saying _ day, i remember looking to him and saying can _

day, i remember looking to him and saying can you explain what is happening and he responded by saying something like, we are going to the capital, _ something like, we are going to the capital, is _ something like, we are going to the capital, is going to be great, the president— capital, is going to be great, the president will be there, he will look powerful. he president will be there, he will look powerful.— president will be there, he will look owerful. , . , . look powerful. he personally asked for us to come _ look powerful. he personally asked for us to come to _ look powerful. he personally asked for us to come to dc— look powerful. he personally asked for us to come to dc that _ look powerful. he personally asked for us to come to dc that day - look powerful. he personally asked for us to come to dc that day and i | for us to come to dc that day and i thought. _ for us to come to dc that day and i thought. for— for us to come to dc that day and i thought, for everything _ for us to come to dc that day and i thought, for everything he has- for us to come to dc that day and i i thought, for everything he has done for us _ thought, for everything he has done for us if— thought, for everything he has done for us if this— thought, for everything he has done for us if this is _ thought, for everything he has done for us if this is the _ thought, for everything he has done for us if this is the only _ thought, for everything he has done for us if this is the only thing - thought, for everything he has done for us if this is the only thing he - for us if this is the only thing he will ask— for us if this is the only thing he will ask of— for us if this is the only thing he will ask of me, _ for us if this is the only thing he will ask of me, i will— for us if this is the only thing he will ask of me, i will do - for us if this is the only thing he will ask of me, i will do it. - will ask of me, i will do it. basically. _ will ask of me, i will do it. basically, the _ will ask of me, i will do it. basically, the president. will ask of me, i will do it. i basically, the president got everyone riled up told everyone to head _ everyone riled up told everyone to head on _ everyone riled up told everyone to head on down so we basically were 'ust head on down so we basically were just following what he said. they cross the line. _ just following what he said. they cross the line. they _ just following what he said. they cross the line. they crossed the line _ cross the line. they crossed the line. is — cross the line. they crossed the line. ' . cross the line. they crossed the line. ' , ., . line. 15 minutes of leaving the sta . e line. 15 minutes of leaving the stage president _ line. 15 minutes of leaving the stage president trump - line. 15 minutes of leaving the stage president trump knew l line. 15 minutes of leaving the i stage president trump knew that line. 15 minutes of leaving the - stage president trump knew that the capital— stage president trump knew that the capital was besieged and under attack — capital was besieged and under attack. 50 capital was besieged and under attack. . capital was besieged and under attack, ., , ., capital was besieged and under attack. . . . ., capital was besieged and under attack. ., ., ., ., ., , attack. so are you aware of any -hone attack. so are you aware of any phone call— attack. so are you aware of any phone call by — attack. so are you aware of any phone call by the _ attack. so are you aware of any phone call by the president - attack. so are you aware of any phone call by the president of i attack. so are you aware of any i phone call by the president of the united _ phone call by the president of the united states— phone call by the president of the united states to _ phone call by the president of the united states to the _ phone call by the president of the united states to the secretary - phone call by the president of the united states to the secretary ofi united states to the secretary of defence — united states to the secretary of defence that _ united states to the secretary of

defence that they? _ united states to the secretary of defence that they? holt - united states to the secretary of defence that they?— united states to the secretary of defence that they? not that i am aware of, defence that they? not that i am aware of. no- — defence that they? not that i am aware of, no. are _ defence that they? not that i am aware of, no. are you _ defence that they? not that i am aware of, no. are you aware - defence that they? not that i am aware of, no. are you aware of l defence that they? not that i am l aware of, no. are you aware of any -hone aware of, no. are you aware of any phone call— aware of, no. are you aware of any phone call from — aware of, no. are you aware of any phone call from the _ aware of, no. are you aware of any phone call from the president - aware of, no. are you aware of any phone call from the president of i aware of, no. are you aware of anyl phone call from the president of the united _ phone call from the president of the united states— phone call from the president of the united states to _ phone call from the president of the united states to the _ phone call from the president of the united states to the attorney- united states to the attorney general — united states to the attorney general that _ united states to the attorney general that they? _ united states to the attorney general that they?— united states to the attorney| general that they?- are united states to the attorney - general that they?- are you general that they? know. are you aware of any _ general that they? know. are you aware of any phone _ general that they? know. are you aware of any phone call— general that they? know. are you aware of any phone call from - general that they? know. are you aware of any phone call from thel aware of any phone call from the prison— aware of any phone call from the prison of— aware of any phone call from the prison of the _ aware of any phone call from the prison of the to _ aware of any phone call from the prison of the to homeland - aware of any phone call from the i prison of the to homeland security that they? — prison of the to homeland security that they? urn— prison of the to homeland security that the ? �* ., . . ., . that they? i'm not aware of that, no. did that they? i'm not aware of that, no- did you _ that they? i'm not aware of that, no. did you ever _ that they? i'm not aware of that, no. did you ever hear _ that they? i'm not aware of that, no. did you ever hear the - that they? i'm not aware of that, i no. did you ever hear the president asked for law _ no. did you ever hear the president asked for law enforcement - no. did you ever hear the president i asked for law enforcement response? no. asked for law enforcement response? no late— asked for law enforcement response? no. ~ . asked for law enforcement response? no. . ., ., asked for law enforcement response? no. . . . ., ., asked for law enforcement response? no. . . ., ., ., no. we have an assault going on on the caital no. we have an assault going on on the capital of _ no. we have an assault going on on the capital of the _ no. we have an assault going on on the capital of the united _ the capital of the united states america — the capital of the united states america. nothing, _ the capital of the united states america. nothing, no- the capital of the united states america. nothing, no call, - the capital of the united states. america. nothing, no call, zero. i america. nothing, no call, zero. remember him saying, mark we america. nothing, no call, zero]- remember him saying, mark we need to do something more, they are calling for the _ do something more, they are calling for the vice — do something more, they are calling for the vice president to be hung. you heard — for the vice president to be hung. you heard and he thinks that he

deserves— you heard and he thinks that he deserves it doesn't think that they are doing — deserves it doesn't think that they are doing anything wrong. you deserves it doesn't think that they are doing anything wrong.- are doing anything wrong. you or our staff are doing anything wrong. you or your staff did _ are doing anything wrong. you or your staff did not _ are doing anything wrong. you or your staff did not want _ are doing anything wrong. you or your staff did not want anyone i are doing anything wrong. you or your staff did not want anyone to | your staff did not want anyone to leave _ your staff did not want anyone to leave the — your staff did not want anyone to leave the capital— your staff did not want anyone to leave the capital stock— your staff did not want anyone to leave the capital stock on - your staff did not want anyone to leave the capital stock on the - leave the capital stock on the staff? — leave the capital stock on the staff? l— leave the capital stock on the staff? ., �* .. ., leave the capital stock on the staff? ., �* .., ., 4' leave the capital stock on the staff? ., �* ., ,, ., staff? i don't. .. i cannot think of an one staff? i don't. .. i cannot think of anyone on _ staff? i don't. .. i cannot think of anyone on that _ staff? i don't. .. i cannot think of anyone on that day _ staff? i don't. .. i cannot think of anyone on that day who - staff? i don't. .. i cannot think of anyone on that day who did - staff? i don't. .. i cannot think of anyone on that day who did not. anyone on that day who did not want people _ anyone on that day who did not want people to _ anyone on that day who did not want people to get out of the capital particularly once the violence started. _ particularly once the violence started, no. i mean... what about the president? she said the staff. i said _ what about the president? she said the staff. i said in _ what about the president? she said the staff. i said in the _ what about the president? she said the staff. i said in the white - the staff. i said in the white house _ the staff. i said in the white house 0h. _ the staff. i said in the white house. oh, sorry— the staff. i said in the white house. oh, sorry i - the staff. i said in the white i house. oh, sorry i apologise. i house. 0h, sorry i apologise. i thought— house. oh, sorry i apologise. i thought you _ house. oh, sorry i apologise. i thought you said _ house. oh, sorry i apologise. i thought you said who - house. oh, sorry i apologise. i thought you said who else - house. oh, sorry i apologise. i thought you said who else on l house. oh, sorry i apologise. i. thought you said who else on the staff _ i can't review communications but

ican't review communications but obviously— i can't review communications but obviously l — i can't review communications but obviously i think, _ i can't review communications but obviously i think, you _ i can't review communications but obviously i think, you know. - i can't review communications but obviously i think, you know. [- i can't review communications but obviously i think, you know. i said aood john obviously i think, you know. i said good john now — obviously i think, you know. i said good john now i'm _ obviously i think, you know. i said good john now i'm going - obviously i think, you know. i said good john now i'm going to - obviously i think, you know. good john now i'm going to give obviously i think, you knowm good john now i'm going to give you the trest— good john now i'm going to give you the best free legal advice you will get in _ the best free legal advice you will get in your life. get a great criminal— get in your life. get a great criminal defence lawyer you will needed — criminal defence lawyer you will needed. . . , criminal defence lawyer you will needed. , . , ., criminal defence lawyer you will needed. . . , ., , ., criminal defence lawyer you will needed. . . , ., , needed. general flynn do you believe in the peaceful— needed. general flynn do you believe in the peaceful transition _ needed. general flynn do you believe in the peaceful transition of— needed. general flynn do you believe in the peaceful transition of power- in the peaceful transition of power in the peaceful transition of power in the _ in the peaceful transition of power in the united _ in the peaceful transition of power in the united states _ in the peaceful transition of power in the united states of— in the peaceful transition of power in the united states of america? i in the peaceful transition of power. in the united states of america? the fifth. in the united states of america? the fifth- another — in the united states of america? the fifth. another officer _ in the united states of america? the fifth. another officer unconscious. i fifth. another officer unconscious. on the terrace. _ i don't want to say the election is rick l _ i don't want to say the election is rick liust— i don't want to say the election is rick ijust want to say congress has certified _ rick ijust want to say congress has certified the results without saying

the election is over, 0k? the certified the results without saying the election is over, ok?— the election is over, ok? the chair now recognises — the election is over, ok? the chair now recognises the _ the election is over, ok? the chair now recognises the woman - the election is over, ok? the chair now recognises the woman from i now recognises the woman from california miss laughlin for an opening statement.— california miss laughlin for an opening statement. thank you mr chairman. over— opening statement. thank you mr chairman. over the _ opening statement. thank you mr chairman. over the last _ opening statement. thank you mr chairman. over the last 18 - opening statement. thank you mr| chairman. over the last 18 months the select committee has conducted a congressional investigation of enormous skill. seeking to discover the depth and breadth of president trumps plan to reverse the lawful outcome of the 20/20 presidential election. we have compiled a number of documents collected from countless individuals, not less and state authorities. many of our processes included federal courts including the supreme court. we have taken the testimony of hundreds of witnesses. why we couldn't show them all, we focus on those who were most

central including our ex—presidents white house aides, senior members of his campaign and officials. based on this assembled evidence the select committee has reached a series of findings. many of these findings pertains to what is called the big delight. the enormous effort led by ex—president trump to spread baseless accusations and misinformation in an attempt to falsely convince tens of millions of americans that the election had been stolen from him. beginning even before the election and continuing through january before the election and continuing throuthanuary six before the election and continuing through january six and thereafter. donald trump purposely disseminated false allegations or fraud in order to aid his effort to overturn the 2020 election. ex—president trumps decision to declare victory falsely wasn't a spontaneous decision it was

premeditated. the committee had evidence president trumps plan to call victory and called for the elections to stop and he told numerous allies about his intent weeks before the election. the committee found that resident trump raise hundreds of millions of dollars with false representations made to his online donors. the proceeds from his fundraising we have learned have been used in ways we believe are concerning. in particular, the committee has learned that some of those funds were used to hire lawyers stuffed we have also obtained evidence of efforts to provide employment to witnesses. for example, one lawyer told a witness the witness could in certain circumstances, tell the committee she didn't recall facts when she didn't recall them. that lawyer also did not disclose who was

paying for the lawyers representation despite questions from the client seeking that information. he told her quotes we are are not telling people where funding is coming from right now. we learned that a client was offered potential employment that would make her financially comfortable in several as of the her testamentary approach by entities that were linked to donald trump and his associates. these offers were withdrawn or didn't materialise as reports of the contents of her testimony and circulated. the witness believed this was an effort to affect her testimony and we are concerned these efforts may have been a strategy to prevent the coming city from finding the truth. throughout the post election. , ex—president trump was told repeatedly by his camp advisers, government officials and others there was no evidence to support his

claims of election fraud. even since our last hearing the select committee has obtained testamentary from new witnesses who have come forward and told us about their conversations with x trump on this topic. here is one of his senior advisers. topic. here is one of his senior advisers-— topic. here is one of his senior advisers. . ., . ., . advisers. evidence of fraud on a scale that _ advisers. evidence of fraud on a scale that would _ advisers. evidence of fraud on a scale that would have _ advisers. evidence of fraud on a scale that would have impacted | advisers. evidence of fraud on a - scale that would have impacted the outcome _ scale that would have impacted the outcome of the election. i was trecoming _ outcome of the election. i was becoming increasingly concerned that we were _ becoming increasingly concerned that we were damaging, we were damaging his legacy _ we were damaging, we were damaging his lea . ~ . we were damaging, we were damaging hisleua .~ . , , his legacy. what did the president sa in his legacy. what did the president say in response — his legacy. what did the president say in response to _ his legacy. what did the president say in response to what _ his legacy. what did the president say in response to what you - his legacy. what did the president say in response to what you just l say in response to what you just described? _ say in response to what you just described? he _ say in response to what you 'ust described?�* say in response to what you 'ust described? ,., . ., described? he said something along the lines of. — described? he said something along the lines of, you _ described? he said something along the lines of, you know, _ described? he said something along the lines of, you know, no _ described? he said something along the lines of, you know, no one - described? he said something along the lines of, you know, no one will. the lines of, you know, no one will care about — the lines of, you know, no one will care about my legacy if i lose. so, that won't— care about my legacy if i lose. so, that won't matter. the only thing that won't matter. the only thing that matters is winning.—

that won't matter. the only thing that matters is winning. despite all he continued _ that matters is winning. despite all he continued to _ that matters is winning. despite all he continued to purposely - that matters is winning. despite all he continued to purposely and - he continued to purposely and maliciously make false claims. sometimes within a day of being told a particular claim was false and unsupported by unsupported by evidence. by the time the electoral couege evidence. by the time the electoral college met to cast its votes on december 14, 2020 and number of president trumps senior staff, cabinet officials and members of his family were urging him to facilitate a peaceful transition to the incoming administration. he disregarded their advice and continue to claim publicly that the election had been stolen from him. numerous state and federal courts evaluated and rejected the trump campaigns claims of voter fraud. including ii judges appointed by ex—president trump himself. numerous individuals associated with these efforts have since acknowledged they

were unable to find sufficient evidence of fraud to effect the election results. including testimonies to this select committee. still, ex—president trump repeated those false claims and try to convince his supporters the election was stolen. this was an attempt to justify overturning the lawful election results. donald trump knowingly and repeatedly incited his support as the violence through election lies. he continues to repeat his claim even today and continues to erode our most shared and shared belief in a free and fair elections. mr chairman ideas back. the chair recognises the gentleman from california for an opening statement. from california for an opening statement-— from california for an opening statement. . ,, ~ . .

statement. thank you mr chairman. buildina on statement. thank you mr chairman. building on this _ statement. thank you mr chairman. building on this constant _ statement. thank you mr chairman. building on this constant repetitionl building on this constant repetition of the big lie. president trump engaged in an activity is to obstruct on gender six. this everett began in part in the states which hold and count determines the president to appointment for some the local election workers he accused of election fraud. the state officials he pressured to stop the cons are fine votes that didn't ask this. or the state officials the urge to disregard the popular will of the voters and in order to need him to with her instead. here, the select committee findings are about president trumps its pressure campaign. president trumps officials repeatedly pressured state officials to take actions to overturn the election. the most dramatic action

was the president january two 2021 called to brad roethlisberger in which the president urged the secretary to find 11,000 votes. he needed to change the outcome in that state. during that call resident trump agreement repeated in conspiracy theories about the election that his own appointees at the department ofjustice the bunker. president trump also made a suggestion at suggested threat suggesting that roethlisberger and his attorney could be subjected to prosecution if they did not follow through with his demands. in repeated telephone calls and in person meetings, donald trump pressured state officials and legislators to alter official election results. but courageous publish services held firm. and

refused to put donald trump over their oath to the constitution. when it donald trump the pressure campaign did not achieve the results he wanted, he oversaw an effort to obtain and transmit falls electoral ballots to congress and the national archives. the false ballots were created by fake republican electors on december 14 at the same time the actual and certified electors in those states were meeting to cast their votes for president biden. by that point in time. election litigation was over in nearly all of the states and trump campaign should election lawyers that the fix in the states was unjustifiable in any grounds and may be unlawful. in spite of these concerns and concerns of individuals in the white house counsel office president trump and others proceeded with this plan. the select committee has developed

evidence that these intentionally false documents were transmitted to multiple offices of the federal government and were intending to interfere with the proper conduct of thejoint session. with the joint session. with the existence of competing slates of electors to serve as a pretext for it legitimate electoral vote to be rejected. president trump repeatedly attacked local and state officials who refused to do his bidding. as well as local election workers who he basically accused of fraud. as rudy friedman and the testimony of other election officials illustrated. the people who drew trumps ir or subjects of his allies fees real—world consequences included public harassment and death threats. some of these election workers and officials have been forced to leave their homes. others have been forced to leave jobs they

love. take a listen to mr freeman's story. love. take a listen to mr freeman's sto . ., ., �* ., . story. now i won't even introduce m self b story. now i won't even introduce myself by my _ story. now i won't even introduce myself by my name _ story. now i won't even introduce myself by my name any _ story. now i won't even introduce myself by my name any more. i l story. now i won't even introduce i myself by my name any more. i get nervous _ myself by my name any more. i get nervous when i bumped into someone i know in— nervous when i bumped into someone i know in the _ nervous when i bumped into someone i know in the grocery store who says my name — know in the grocery store who says my name i— know in the grocery store who says my name. i am worried about who is listening _ my name. i am worried about who is listening i_ my name. i am worried about who is listening. i get nervous when i have to give _ listening. i get nervous when i have to give my— listening. i get nervous when i have to give my name for food orders. i am always— to give my name for food orders. i am always concerned i wrote about wilds _ am always concerned i wrote about wilds tools are around me. i have lost my— wilds tools are around me. i have lost my name and my reputation. the treatment lost my name and my reputation. tie: treatment of miss freeman lost my name and my reputation. tt9: treatment of miss freeman and lost my name and my reputation. tt9 treatment of miss freeman and her daughter and so many others around the country was callous, inhuman, inexcusable and dangerous. and those responsible should be held accountable. mr chairman i yield back. . , . , back. the gentleman years back. the chair recognises _ back. the gentleman years back. the chair recognises the _ back. the gentleman years back. the chair recognises the gentleman i back. the gentleman years back. the chair recognises the gentleman from | chair recognises the gentleman from illinois. foran chair recognises the gentleman from illinois. for an opening statement.

thank you mr chairman. certainly, one of the many important components of ourfederal one of the many important components of our federal government is the department ofjustice. it is the body that is responsible for enforcing our laws and investigating criminal wrongdoing. enforcing our laws and investigating criminalwrongdoing. forthis reason, it is of the art must importance that our department of justice operates as a fair and neutral body that enforces our federal laws without fear or favour. it is this critical function that president trump sought to correct. as he sought to use the department ofjustice as he sought to use the department of justice to as he sought to use the department ofjustice to investigate and prosecute reported election fraud. and helped convince the public that the election was stolen. the selection made the following findings in respect to the department ofjustice. in the weeks following the 2020 election attorney general bill barr advised trump that

the department ofjustice had not seen any evidence to support trumps. that the election was fraud. over the course of three meetings in this postelection period attorney general bar that the justice department was properly investigating claims of infection fraud. he debunked numerous election fraud claims many of which the president would go on to repeat publicly. he made clear that president trump was doing quotes a great disservice to the country by pursuing them. after a journey generally bars resignation, president trump requested that the acting leadership quotes just save the election was iraq corrupt and leave the rest of me and the republican congressman. in other words, just tell a small lie to put the facade of the the missy on this

lie and the republican congressman and i can distort and destroy and create doubt ourselves. between december 23 and january three, president trump called or met with them nearly every day and was told repeatedly that the department investigation showed no factual support for trumps fraud allegations. mr rosen and mr donohue told him the fraud claims were simply untrue. as mr rosen and mr donohue continued to resist trip resident trump tried to install a lawyers name jeffrey clark to lead the departments on several occasions clark met with the president apparently along with representative scott perry, without authorisation, promising to take the actions that bar, rosen and donahue hide for refuse to take. in particular, mr clark intended to send a letter he

draughted with the help of a political appointee the white house installed at the doj within just weeks left of the administration. mr clark intended to send a letter to numerous states informing them that the department had identified significant concerns about the election results in their state and encouraging their state legislations to come into special sessions to consider appointed trump rather than biting electors. here is acting election donahue and his response to this letter. , . , this letter. draughting letters in without the _ this letter. draughting letters in without the knowledge - this letter. draughting letters in without the knowledge of - this letter. draughting letters in without the knowledge of what l this letter. draughting letters in i without the knowledge of what the department had done and he was being reckless _ department had done and he was being reckless i_ department had done and he was being reckless. i recall saying what you are for— reckless. i recall saying what you are for pros — reckless. i recall saying what you are for pros and is nothing more than _ are for pros and is nothing more than the — are for pros and is nothing more than the department ofjustice interfering in a election. knowing that his spas _ interfering in a election. knowing that his spas election _ interfering in a election. knowing that his spas election claims i interfering in a election. knowing i that his spas election claims would not be supported president trump

offered mr clark thejob. in not be supported president trump offered mr clark the job. in a dramaticjanuary three menu to rosen and donahue and white house lawyers strongly objected to the appointments ofjeffrey clark as acting attorney general. sir clark pleaded his case and offered to send the letter he had draughted. the white house concert called the letter quote a murder suicide pact. numerous officials threatened to resign if mr clark was appointed and donald trump would be leading a graveyard. it was only after the threats of mass resignation that president trump rescinded his offer to mr clark. mr president trump rescinded his offer to mr clark-— to mr clark. mr chairman i lead back. to mr clark. mr chairman i lead back- the _ to mr clark. mr chairman i lead back. the chairman _ to mr clark. mr chairman i lead back. the chairman recognises| to mr clark. mr chairman i lead i back. the chairman recognises the man from california.— man from california. thank you mr chairman- — man from california. thank you mr chairman. former _ man from california. thank you mr chairman. former president i man from california. thank you mr. chairman. former president trumps monetary part plan did not stop with

the states or the department of justice. it such nearly every component of our federal system ranging from the courts to congress to his own vice president mike pence. in the weeks before january six mr trump served to the man who served them doily for four years and embraced any illegal scheme composed by others who concocted and unfolded theory that the vice president could reject votes during the session. when vice president trent pentz told him correctly that former president trump spearheaded an unprecedented campaign to coerce him to do it anyway. ultimately culminated in a threat to mr pentz his life on january six. these are the select

committees findings in regard to the pressure camping with the vice president. john eastman admitted in advance of the 2020 election that mike pence could not lawfully refuse to count electoral votes. but he devised a meritless proposals that added bogus fraud claims and feet by this that to say that mike pence could reject legitimate electoral votes for president biden. but still, president trump elected to use easements theory and pressure the vice president to take on awful action. in multiple conversations tried to pressure vice president pens to adopt the eastman theory and rejected electors or send them back to state that your lasers. the vice president consistently resisted and told the president he did not

possess the authority to do what president trump directed. this culminated in an angry phone call on the morning ofjanuary six between president trump and vice president pentz during which the former president repeatedly berated mr pentz by cursing and leavening threats. white house staffer was one of the many witnesses who heard the call as it happened. take a listen at this testimony. did call as it happened. take a listen at this testimony.— call as it happened. take a listen at this testimony. did you hear any art of the at this testimony. did you hear any part of the phone _ at this testimony. did you hear any part of the phone call _ at this testimony. did you hear any part of the phone call or— at this testimony. did you hear any part of the phone call or the - at this testimony. did you hear any part of the phone call or the end i at this testimony. did you hear any part of the phone call or the end of president— part of the phone call or the end of president was speaking from customer i did president was speaking from customer i did yes _ president was speaking from customer i did yes what did you hear? asl i did yes what did you hear? as i was dropping — i did yes what did you hear? as i was dropping off _ i did yes what did you hear? as i was dropping off the notes in my memory— was dropping off the notes in my memory i remember— was dropping off the notes in my memory i remember hearing i was dropping off the notes in my. memory i remember hearing when community— memory i remember hearing when community because _ memory i remember hearing when community because my— memory i remember hearing when community because my wimp. ii community because my wimp. i remember— community because my wimp. i remember him _ community because my wimp. i remember him saying - community because my wimp. i remember him saying you i community because my wimp. i remember him saying you are l community because my wimp. i remember him saying you are a community because my wimp. i- remember him saying you are a wimp and wimp— remember him saying you are a wimp and wimp resort — remember him saying you are a wimp and wimp resort the _ remember him saying you are a wimp and wimp resort the word _ remember him saying you are a wimp and wimp resort the word i— remember him saying you are a wimpi and wimp resort the word i remember. he said _ and wimp resort the word i remember. he said something _ and wimp resort the word i remember. he said something to _ and wimp resort the word i remember. he said something to that— and wimp resort the word i remember. he said something to that effect - and wimp resort the word i remember. he said something to that effect i- he said something to that effect i made _ he said something to that effect i made the — he said something to that effect i made the wrong _ he said something to that effect i made the wrong decision - he said something to that effect i made the wrong decision for- he said something to that effect i made the wrong decision for or i he said something to that effect i. made the wrong decision for or five years ago — made the wrong decision for or five years ago in— made the wrong decision for or five ears a . o. :. :

made the wrong decision for or five ears a . o. . : :, : years ago. in the face of the vice presidents _ years ago. in the face of the vice presidents resistant _ years ago. in the face of the vice presidents resistant the - years ago. in the face of the vice presidents resistant the former i presidents resistant the former presidents resistant the former president and others inserted both private and public pressure to change his mind. on the afternoon of generally six president trump to look cloud that vice president pentz needed the courage to do what he has to do. once the riot began president trump deliberately chose to issue a tweet attacking mr penn's knowing the crowd had already grown violent. almost immediately thereafter at the crowd around the capitol at surge and between 230 and 2:35pm the metropolitan police line broke. this was the first time in mpd history that a line had broken. writers at the capital were her chanting hand mike pence during the afternoon. as a result of this unrest vice

president pentz was forced to flee where he actively coordinated with law enforcement and other government officials to address the ongoing violence. mr chairman i use back. the gentleman is back. the chair recognises the woman from miss florida miss murphy for an opening statement. :. ~ florida miss murphy for an opening statement. :, ,, , :, ~ . . statement. thank you mr chairman. ultimately president _ statement. thank you mr chairman. ultimately president trump - statement. thank you mr chairman. ultimately president trump did i statement. thank you mr chairman. ultimately president trump did not | ultimately president trump did not succeed in bending state and federal officials to his will. at every turn, state officials and the department ofjustice and mike pence stood up for the rule of law and resistant the presidents wishes. in that way, or american institutions held after the 2020 election. but that did not stop president trump. instead, he turned to his supporters. those who believed his lies about a stolen election. he summoned a crowd to the nations capital onjanuary 2o summoned a crowd to the nations capital on january 20 six summoned a crowd to the nations capital onjanuary 20 six hoping they would pressure congress to do what he could not on his own. the

select committee has made the following findings on this issue. two years ago today in the early morning hours of december 19 donald trump sent a tweet urging his supporters to travel to washington to us protest onjanuary six. be there, we would be wild he tweeted. during december 19 and january six of the president repeatedly encourages supporters to come to washington. the presidents december tweet galvanised domestic violent extremists including members of the of oath keepers, the proud boys and organised militia groups. these individuals organised to come to the capital in large numbers with the intent to use violence to disrupt the certification of the election during the joint session. prior to january six the fbi, secret service, us capitol police at dc government and other law enforcement agency gathered evidence suggesting the

risk of violence at the capital during the session. these include warnings like the following. their plan is to literally kill people. please take this tip seriously and investigate further. in the days leading up to january six president trumps advisers explicitly told him he should encourage his supporters to be peaceful in that day. but she refused. one witness provided the committee with records of her texts on january committee with records of her texts onjanuary six. in one exchange with another staffer he takes her hate.

when mistakes kansans or provide testimony to the committee we ask her about this exchange. her explanation is that the key in this text wasn't the president but rather eric hirschman. take a listen to her testimony. eric hirschman. take a listen to her testimon . ~ , :, . testimony. when you were at suggested — testimony. when you were at suggested it _ testimony. when you were at suggested it several - testimony. when you were at suggested it several times i testimony. when you were at i suggested it several times that means— suggested it several times that means the president about being non—violence you wrote i suggested it several— non—violence you wrote i suggested it several times monday and tuesday and he _ it several times monday and tuesday and he refused. tell us what happened?— and he refused. tell us what ha ened? ,, �* ,, .~ and he refused. tell us what hauened? ,, �* ,, :, happened? sure, i didn't speak to the presidents _ happened? sure, i didn't speak to the presidents about _ happened? sure, i didn't speak to the presidents about this - happened? sure, i didn't speak to the presidents about this directly | the presidents about this directly but i communicated _ the presidents about this directly but i communicated to— the presidents about this directly but i communicated to people i the presidents about this directly. but i communicated to people that the presidents about this directly i but i communicated to people that it was my— but i communicated to people that it was my view— but i communicated to people that it was my view that _ but i communicated to people that it was my view that it _ but i communicated to people that it was my view that it was _ but i communicated to people that it was my view that it was important i was my view that it was important that the _ was my view that it was important that the president _ was my view that it was important that the president puts _ was my view that it was important that the president puts out - was my view that it was important that the president puts out some i that the president puts out some kind of— that the president puts out some kind of message _ that the president puts out some kind of message in _ that the president puts out some kind of message in advance i that the president puts out some kind of message in advance of. that the president puts out some i kind of message in advance of the event _ kind of message in advance of the event. : :. kind of message in advance of the event. : . . , , , event. and what was the response? the response _ event. and what was the response? the response was he _ event. and what was the response? the response was he had _ event. and what was the response? the response was he had made i event. and what was the response? the response was he had made the| the response was he had made the

same _ the response was he had made the same recommendation _ the response was he had made the same recommendation directly i the response was he had made the same recommendation directly to i the response was he had made the i same recommendation directly to the president _ same recommendation directly to the president and — same recommendation directly to the president. and that _ same recommendation directly to the president. and that he _ same recommendation directly to the president. and that he had _ same recommendation directly to the president. and that he had refused. i president. and that he had refused. just to— president. and that he had refused. just to understand, _ president. and that he had refused. just to understand, there _ president. and that he had refused. just to understand, there was i just to understand, there was already— just to understand, there was already a _ just to understand, there was already a recommendation to the president— already a recommendation to the president that the president convey a message should be peaceful on january— a message should be peaceful on january six and the president refused — january six and the president refused to do that?— january six and the president refused to do that? yes. the public will be able — refused to do that? yes. the public will be able to _ refused to do that? yes. the public will be able to review this in the transcripts and see the prospective that was given before we heard hope hicks is testimony. despite having knowledge of the threats of violence by the crowd gathered on 26 january six president trump gave an incendiary speech declaring without basis that the election had been stolen and encouraging his supporters to fight like hell. during the speech and immediately after president trump stated his intention to travel to the capital with his supporters in an effort to influence thejoint with his supporters in an effort to influence the joint session. the select committee has developed evidence indicating that president

trump did in fact intend to go to the capital on the afternoon of january six and repeatedly expressed that intention during the afternoon and in the days prior. mr that intention during the afternoon and in the days prior.— that intention during the afternoon and in the days prior. mr chairman i use back. and in the days prior. mr chairman i use back- the _ and in the days prior. mr chairman i use back. the gentleman _ and in the days prior. mr chairman i use back. the gentleman years i and in the days prior. mr chairman i i use back. the gentleman years back. the chair recognises the gentleman for virginia for an opening statement.— for virginia for an opening statement. :, ,, ~ . . statement. thank you mr chairman. all of president _ statement. thank you mr chairman. all of president trumps _ statement. thank you mr chairman. all of president trumps efforts i statement. thank you mr chairman. | all of president trumps efforts came to i had on the afternoon of january six. standing on the stage of the ellipse president trump took tens of thousands of angry supporters that the election was stolen. that they had the power to change that if the march to the capitol building. and they wouldn't have a country any more if the presidency was taken away from him. he told them. he would be there with them. and then, as the crowd descending on the capital. president trump washed it on television. despite pleas from his senior advisers, from lawmakers

on the hill and from his own children. president trump would not issue a public statement instructing his supporters to disperse and leave the capital. mr trumps failure spanning the period from 1:10pm when he speech ended and he instructed his supporters to march to 4:17pm when he finally begrudgingly told his supporters to go home. for 187 minutes he disregarded his constitutional obligation to take care of the laws are faithfully executed. as we have established through months of investigation that is because the mob wanted what trip president trump wanted. to impede the peaceful transition of power. these are the selected committees findings about president trumps dereliction of duty. from the outside of the violence and the several hours that followed people inside the capital and elected

officials of both parties and members of president trumps own family and fox news compensators were sympathetic to president trump and trying to contact the white house to urge them to do one single thing. the one thing all these people he immediately understood was required. instructs his supporters to leave the capital. the president repeatedly refused to please as he watched the violence in capital on television. during the day the president never spoke with the national guard the department of defence department ofjustice or any law agency sub at no point during the day or any other did he issue any order to employee law enforcement agency to assist. multiple witnesses testify to these facts. you have white house employees speaking directly to president trump state he did not want anything done. the president

was making phone calls that afternoon but they weren't to law enforcement officials but president trump continued to call his lawyer rudy giuliani. both president trump and mr giuliani spoke with congratulations leaders even after the violence had begun to encourage them to continue delaying the session. approximately hours after being in forms of the violence in the capital. hours during which our evidence has shown. donald trump washed the violence on television. the president released a video statement she repeated the election was stolen, told his supporters at the capital that he loved them and ultimately suggested they disperse. this statement had unimpeded impact on elements of the crowd many of whom testified that it led them to depart the capital. at 6:01pm president trump sent his last tweet of the day. he did not condemn the

violence and instead attempted to justify it. these are the things and events that happened when a sacred landslide election victory is so on sermon notes snake stripped away he wrote. rememberthis sermon notes snake stripped away he wrote. remember this date forever. there is no doubt that president trump thought the actions of the writers were justified. trump thought the actions of the writers werejustified. in trump thought the actions of the writers were justified. in the days afterjanuary six, he spoke to several advisers and in those conversations he minimised the seriousness of the attack. here is new testimony from another you said you talk to the president the next day talk to us about that. i don't think was very long and i just said — idon't think was very long and i just said it— i don't think was very long and i just said it was _ i don't think was very long and i just said it was a _ i don't think was very long and i just said it was a terrible - i don't think was very long and i just said it was a terrible day. i don't think was very long and ii just said it was a terrible day and i said _ just said it was a terrible day and i said it's — just said it was a terrible day and i said it's crazy. _ just said it was a terrible day and i said it's crazy.— just said it was a terrible day and i said it's crazy. what did he say? no, he's i said it's crazy. what did he say? no. he's very _ i said it's crazy. what did he say? no, he's very upset. _

the gentleman yields back. we recognise mr asking for an opening statement. :. ~' , :, ~ recognise mr asking for an opening statement. :, ,, , :, ~ . . recognise mr asking for an opening statement. :, ,, ~ . . . statement. thank you mr chairman and for our statement. thank you mr chairman and for your extraordinary _ statement. thank you mr chairman and for your extraordinary leadership, i for your extraordinary leadership, generations to come will praise you in the vice chair for your devotion to the rule of law. several months ago, you task to several of our members and the subcommittee with

bringing recommendations for each the full committee potential referrals to the doj and other authorities based on offences of criminal and civil offences that has come to our attention over the course of the investigation. we are now prepared to share this recognition stay. let me begin with some relevant background considerations to our criminal referrals. the danger of —— dangerous assault that took place on january the 6th, 2021 consists of hundreds of criminal offences. most such crimes are already being prosecuted by the doj. we propose to the committee advancing referrals where the gravity of the specific offence, the severity of its actual harm, and the centrality of the offender to the overall design of the unlawful scheme to overthrow the election compel us to speak. ours is not a system ofjustice where election compel us to speak. ours is not a system of justice where foot soldiers go to jail and the

masterminds and ringleaders get a free pass. mr chairman, as you know our committee had the opportunity last spring to present most of our evidence to a federaljudge to it that distinguishes our investigation from any other congressional investigation i can recall. in the context of resolving evidentiary issues in the eastman case, us district courtjudge examined a small subset of our evidence to determine whether it showed the likely commission of a federal offence. thejudge concluded, both formal president donald trump and john eastman likely violated two federal criminal statutes. this is the starting point for our analysis today. the first criminal statute we invoke for referral is title 18 section 1512 c which makes it unlawful for anyone to correctly

obstruct, influence, or impede any official proceeding of the united states government. we believe that the evidence described by my colleagues today and assembled throughout our hearings were not a —— warrant a criminal referral of former president donaldj trump and john eastman and others in violation of the statute. the whole purpose and obvious effect of trump house scheme were to obstruct, influence and impede this official proceeding. the central moment for the lawful transfer of power in the united states. second, we believe that there is more than sufficient evidence to refer former president donaldj trump, john eastman and others for violating title 18

section 371. this statute makes it a crime to conspire to defraud the united states. in other words, to make an agreement to impair, obstruct or defeat the lawful functions of the united states government by deceitful or dishonest means. former president trump did not engage in a plan to defraud the arts is acting alone. he entered into agreements, formal and informal with several other individuals who assisted him with his criminal objectives. our report describes in detail, the actions of numerous co—conspirators who agreed with and participated in trump's plan to impair, obstruct and defeat the certification of president's biden electoral victory. that said the subcommittee does not attempt to determine all the potential can speak your truth in this theory as our understanding of the role of

many individuals may be incomplete even today. because they refused to answer our questions. we trust of the department ofjustice will be able to inform a far more complete picture through its own investigation. third, we make a referral based on title 18 section 1001 which makes it unlawful to knowingly and willfully make materially false statements to the federal government. the evidence clearly suggests that president trump conspired with others to submit slates of fake electors to congress in the national archives. we believe this evidence we set forth in our report is more than sufficient for a criminal referral of former president donaldj trump and others in connection with this offence. as before, we do not try to determine all of the participants in this conspiracy, many of whom refused to answer our questions while under oath. we trust that do

doj will be able to form a more complete picture through its own investigation. the fourth and final statute we invoke for referral is title 18 section 2383, the statute applies to anyone who incites, assists or engages in insurrection against the united states of america and anyone who gives aid or comfort to and insurrection. in insurrection is a rebellion against the authority of the united states. it is a grave federal offence. anchored in the constitution itself which repeatedly poses insurrections and domestic violence and indeed uses participation in insurrection by officeholders as automatic grounds for disqualification from ever holding public office again at the federal or state level. anyone who incites others to engage in rebelling, assist them in doing so

or gives aid and comfort to those engaged in insurrection is guilty of a federal crime. the committee believes that more than sufficient evidence exists for a criminal referral of former president trump for assisting or aiding and comforting those at the capitol who engaged in a violent attack on the united states. the committee is developed significant evidence that president trump intended to disrupt the peaceful transition of power under our constitution. the president has and affirmative and primary constitutional duty to act to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, nothing could be a griddle betrayer of this duty than to assist insurrection against constitutional order the complete factual basis for this referral as set forth in detail throughout our report. these are not the only

statutes that are potentially relevant statutes that are potentially releva nt to statutes that are potentially relevant to president trump's conduct related to the 2020 election depending on evidence developed by the doj the president's actions could trigger other criminal violations, nor are president trump or his team identified as part of the referrals. as part of our investigation we asked multiple members of congress to speak to us on issues critical to our understanding of our attack on the 2020 election in our system of constitutional democracy. none agreed to provide that the essential information. as a result, we took the significant step of issuing them subpoenas based on the volume of information, particular members possessed about one or more parts of president trump's plans to overturn the election. none of the subpoenaed members confide in him we are not referring for members of congress for appropriate sanction by the house ethics committee for failure

to comply with lawful subpoenas. mr chairman, we understand the gravity of each and every referral we are making today. just as we understand the magnitude of the crime against democracy that we described in our report. but we have gone with the facts in the long lead us and inescapably, the leaves here. accordingly, in light of these facts i ask you the unanimous consent that the chairman be directed to transmit to the knights is department of justice relevant select committee records in furtherance of these criminal referrals.— criminal referrals. without objection. _ criminal referrals. without objection, so _ criminal referrals. without objection, so ordered. i criminal referrals. without i objection, so ordered. thank you criminal referrals. without - objection, so ordered. thank you mr chairman i now _ objection, so ordered. thank you mr chairman i now yield _ objection, so ordered. thank you mr chairman i now yield back. - objection, so ordered. thank you mr chairman i now yield back. the i chairman i now yield back. the gentleman _ chairman i now yield back. the gentleman yields back. pursuant to notice, i now call up select committees final report pursuant to section four a of house resolution 503, the clerk shall designate the

report. 503, the clerk shall designate the re ort. :. 503, the clerk shall designate the re ort. . ,:, 503, the clerk shall designate the reort. . :, , : report. final report of the select committee _ report. final report of the select committee to — report. final report of the select committee to investigate - report. final report of the select committee to investigate the i report. final report of the select i committee to investigate the january the 6th attack on the nights its capital. the 6th attack on the nights its caital. ~ :, the 6th attack on the nights its caital.~ :, : :, capital. without ob'ection the re ort capital. without ob'ection the report wart capital. without ob'ection the report will be i capital. without objection the report will be considered, i capital. without objection the i report will be considered, read and open to amendment at this point. i now recognise the gentleman from virginia for emotion. mr now recognise the gentleman from virginia for emotion. mr chairman, i move that the _ virginia for emotion. mr chairman, i move that the committee _ virginia for emotion. mr chairman, i j move that the committee favourably report to the house the select committee's final report which includes the committee's legislative accommodations and criminal referrals of donaldj trump and uncles pursuant to section four a of house resolution 503. the uncles pursuant to section four a of house resolution 503.— house resolution 503. the question is on the motion _ house resolution 503. the question is on the motion to _ house resolution 503. the question is on the motion to favourably i is on the motion to favourably report to the house those in favour say aye. those opposed no. in the opinion of the chair the ice habit.

a recorded vote is requested the clerk will call the room. ms. cheney?— clerk will call the room. ms. cheney?- mr _ clerk will call the room. ms. cheney?- mr schiff. - clerk will call the room. ms. cheney? gage. mr schiff. aye. mr cheney? aye. mr schiff. aye. mr aauilar. cheney? aye. mr schiff. aye. mr aguilar- aye- _ cheney? aye. mr schiff. aye. mr aguilar. aye. mr _ cheney? aye. mr schiff. aye. mr aguilar. aye. mr raskin? - cheney? aye. mr schiff. aye. mr aguilar. aye. mr raskin? aye. . cheney? aye. mr schiff. aye. mr| aguilar. aye. mr raskin? aye. mr kinsinger? _ aguilar. aye. mr raskin? aye. mr kinsinger? aye. _ aguilar. aye. mr raskin? aye. mr kinsinger? aye. how— aguilar. aye. mr raskin? aye. mr kinsinger? aye. how was - aguilar. aye. mr raskin? aye. mr kinsinger? aye. how was the - aguilar. aye. mr raskin? aye. mr| kinsinger? aye. how was the chair recorded? the _ kinsinger? - how was the chair recorded? the chair votes. the clerk will report the vote. mr recorded? the chair votes. the clerk will report the vote.— will report the vote. mr chairman, on this boat _ will report the vote. mr chairman, on this boat there _ will report the vote. mr chairman, on this boat there are _ will report the vote. mr chairman, on this boat there are nine - will report the vote. mr chairman, on this boat there are nine eyes i on this boat there are nine eyes into your nose. the on this boat there are nine eyes into your nose.— on this boat there are nine eyes into our nose. ., ., , ., into your nose. the motion is agreed to come up —

into your nose. the motion is agreed to come up the _ into your nose. the motion is agreed to come up the motion _ into your nose. the motion is agreed to come up the motion to _ into your nose. the motion is agreed to come up the motion to reconsider| to come up the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. without objection staff is authorised to make any necessary technical or conforming changes to the report to reflect the actions of the committee. the chair requests that those in the hearing room remain seated until the capital police have escorted members from the room. there will be no further business without objection, the select committee stands adjourned. and that is the committee chairman danny thompson closing that final public hearing of the committee to investigate the january the 6th hearings. the committee just unanimously voted to adopt its final report which includes criminal referrals of former president donald trump to the us department of

justice for his role in what the committee said, was inciting a rebellion against the united states government. during the now to discuss all of this, unprecedented. joining me now joe moreno is a former federal prosecuter and fbi consultant. tell us exactly what the committee just voted on several different referrals against former president trump and his allies won names, john eastman. �* . trump and his allies won names, john eastman. �* , ., ., , trump and his allies won names, john eastman. �* , ., .,, ., .,, eastman. always on the last hour was consistent with _ eastman. always on the last hour was consistent with what _ eastman. always on the last hour was consistent with what was _ eastman. always on the last hour was consistent with what was reported - eastman. always on the last hour was consistent with what was reported in i consistent with what was reported in advance and expected and get to hear it, it is so grave and unprecedented. it is quite amazing. the congress, one branch of government referring to thejustice department serious charges against the former head of another branch of government, getting to the heart of democracy. words that directly

incited violence to overthrow the us government. being part of a conspiracy with others, including john eastman and perhaps other third parties, as part of a criminal scheme to undermine the laws of the united states. really breathtaking and so interesting to see what the department ofjustice does now. they have brought hundreds of cases against those people on the grounds, those that were breaking windows and injuring police officers, but it was mentioned, we cannot let the masterminds and ringleaders go unaddressed. that is what this committee is doing.— unaddressed. that is what this committee is doing. exactly it was notable one _ committee is doing. exactly it was notable one member _ committee is doing. exactly it was notable one member of _ committee is doing. exactly it was notable one member of the - committee is doing. exactly it was - notable one member of the committee sank, ours is not a system where the foot soldiers go to jail but the masterminds and ringleaders get free pass but of course there is no guarantee that the department of justice takes a criminal referral and that leads to a prosecution. it is hard not to look at this and not

say this was disgraceful behaviour by donald trump. impeachment worthy, absolutely i think if the committee had done this in time for a impingement they would have gotten the conviction needed and trump would have been barred from office. that being said using some old statutes that are rarely invoked in a case like this, is still going to be difficult. that is a lawyer thing to say but to, insurrection is a law from the civil war era. it is rarely used. again it will be a long road from what we saw today and a successful prosecution. we from what we saw today and a successful prosecution. we will come back to you — successful prosecution. we will come back to you let's _ go now to... i'm joined by our north america correspondent, nomia iqbal. a dramatic finale was it not? it was in what relisted _ a dramatic finale was it not? it was in what relisted out _ a dramatic finale was it not? it was in what relisted out to _ a dramatic finale was it not? it was in what relisted out to what - a dramatic finale was it not? it was in what relisted out to what your i in what relisted out to what your guess _ in what relisted out to what your guess was— in what relisted out to what your guess was saying was that the

committee is basie saying to doj the ball is_ committee is basie saying to doj the ball is now— committee is basie saying to doj the ball is now in your court. so even the staff— ball is now in your court. so even the staff of— ball is now in your court. so even the staff of that, benny thompson, a quote, _ the staff of that, benny thompson, a quote, if_ the staff of that, benny thompson, a quote, if we — the staff of that, benny thompson, a quote, if we are to survive as a nation — quote, if we are to survive as a nation of— quote, if we are to survive as a nation of laws and democracy this can never— nation of laws and democracy this can never happen again and accountability can only be found in the criminaljustice system. just outlining — the criminaljustice system. just outlining the charges against donald trump _ outlining the charges against donald trump and his allies and others. they— trump and his allies and others. they kept— trump and his allies and others. they kept sink in others. the committee also said it is pretty much _ committee also said it is pretty much up — committee also said it is pretty much up to the doj to determine who those other— much up to the doj to determine who those other people are as wealth stops of— those other people are as wealth stops of the committee is essentially saying, we have all of the evidence that in 18 months of research, — the evidence that in 18 months of research, we have had nine public hearings, — research, we have had nine public hearings, this is what we think is legit— hearings, this is what we think is legit and — hearings, this is what we think is legit and it — hearings, this is what we think is legit and it is all tethered to evidence and facts, something that they were — evidence and facts, something that they were very keen to emphasise. they have — they were very keen to emphasise. they have gone to quote jimmy raskin, — they have gone to quote jimmy raskin, where the facts are. so it is up _ raskin, where the facts are. so it is up to— raskin, where the facts are. so it is up to decide which aspects of the investigation they will take on board — investigation they will take on board i— investigation they will take on

board. i think the committee is also hoping _ board. i think the committee is also hoping to— board. i think the committee is also hoping to give jack smith, special prosecutors, a sense of urgency as well to— prosecutors, a sense of urgency as well to take — prosecutors, a sense of urgency as well to take this on board. whether they do— well to take this on board. whether they do or— well to take this on board. whether they do or not it remains to be seen — they do or not it remains to be seen the _ they do or not it remains to be seen. the staffs of the hearing did say that _ seen. the staffs of the hearing did say that they would be closely keeping — say that they would be closely keeping an eye on the committees hearings _ keeping an eye on the committees hearings and meetings.— keeping an eye on the committees hearings and meetings. where does this leave former _ hearings and meetings. where does this leave former president - hearings and meetings. where does this leave former president donald l this leave former president donald trump who has announced that he is running again for the presidency. we heard there in that hearing his former chief white house aide hope takes saying that we were very concerned during this lead up to january the 6th that we were damaging his legacy. that was interesting _ damaging his legacy. that was interesting hearing _ damaging his legacy. that was interesting hearing from - damaging his legacy. that was interesting hearing from her. damaging his legacy. that was - interesting hearing from her because that is— interesting hearing from her because that is the _ interesting hearing from her because that is the first time that we have heard _ that is the first time that we have heard any— that is the first time that we have heard any testimony from hope takes, she talked _ heard any testimony from hope takes, she talked about how she had raised concerns— she talked about how she had raised concerns not directly with trump but with someone else that this would be tarnishing _ with someone else that this would be tarnishing his legacy and he responded that his legacy would not

ntatter— responded that his legacy would not matter if_ responded that his legacy would not matter if he loses and the only thing _ matter if he loses and the only thing that matters is winning. which is really— thing that matters is winning. which is really significant because it suggests that he knew that he had lost. nonetheless, trump has announced that he is running for the republican— announced that he is running for the republican nomination it is safe to say that— republican nomination it is safe to say that he — republican nomination it is safe to say that he fully expects to get that nomination. it is not a done deal yet. — that nomination. it is not a done deal yet, there will be other people competing for that nomination. as far as _ competing for that nomination. as far as donald trump is concerned, we know— far as donald trump is concerned, we know where _ far as donald trump is concerned, we know where he stands with this committee. we know what he thinks about— committee. we know what he thinks about this _ committee. we know what he thinks about this investigation. he has said from — about this investigation. he has said from the beginning, that is a political— said from the beginning, that is a political witch hunt he called the panel. _ political witch hunt he called the panel, the members of the committee to, quote _ panel, the members of the committee to, quote him, bugs, hacks, and scoundrels as well and even last week— scoundrels as well and even last week he — scoundrels as well and even last week he said, that this committee was an— week he said, that this committee was an unselected committee, that is his nickname for them and they are full of— his nickname for them and they are full of never — his nickname for them and they are full of never trump errs which are people _ full of never trump errs which are people who — full of never trump errs which are people who have never supported them

and if he _ people who have never supported them and if he does release any kind of statement — and if he does release any kind of statement through his social networking state it will be with similar— networking state it will be with similar language.— networking state it will be with similar language. networking state it will be with similar lanaauae. ., ., ., ., similar language. thank you for that from capitol— similar language. thank you for that from capitol hill. _ similar language. thank you for that from capitol hill. let's _ similar language. thank you for that from capitol hill. let's go _ similar language. thank you for that from capitol hill. let's go back - similar language. thank you for that from capitol hill. let's go back to i from capitol hill. let's go back to the studio withjoe. former president saying that it was a witch hunt, a show trial there were only republicans on it were committed antique trump and that is because they voted not to have an independent 9/11 sow commissions of this is what we ended up. what happens now to talk us through these terminal referrals made to the department ofjustice against former president trump and i went. ianthem department ofjustice against former president trump and i went. when the de artment president trump and i went. when the department builds _ president trump and i went. when the department builds any _ president trump and i went. when the department builds any case _ president trump and i went. when the department builds any case against. department builds any case against anyone particularly anyone sprawling high—level conspiracy it does it in absolute secret to preserve its case and the rights of those who may never be charged, behind the scenes.

we now have an imposition by congress that is very much in the spotlight so it will be difficult for people to ignore this body of evidence so the department of justice will have to curtail a fine line that they will not want to be seen as pressured. and yet, how can you ignore all of this evidence out there. so it will be even more pressure, i predict, for the department to make a decision and not weigh too much longer. they have the evidence needed, it has to decide what charges to bring, if any, who to bring them against you if anyone and when to do it. this a if anyone and when to do it. as a former federal— if anyone and when to do it. as a former federal prosecutor, to sum up formerfederal prosecutor, to sum up formerfederal prosecutor, to sum up for us and the impact of this committee and the way that it has brought together this 18 month investigation and try to make this case against former president donald trump. i case against former president donald trum -. . ., case against former president donald trum -. , ., ., ,., trump. i understand that some critics could _ trump. i understand that some critics could say _ trump. i understand that some critics could say this _ trump. i understand that some critics could say this was - trump. i understand that some - critics could say this was one-sided

critics could say this was one—sided because... ida critics could say this was one-sided because- - -— critics could say this was one-sided because... no cross examination of witnesses — because... no cross examination of witnesses so _ because... no cross examination of witnesses- so is — because... no cross examination of witnesses. so is more _ because... no cross examination of witnesses. so is more like - because... no cross examination of witnesses. so is more like a - because... no cross examination of witnesses. so is more like a grand l witnesses. so is more like a grand 'u that witnesses. so is more like a grand jury that is — witnesses. so is more like a grand jury that is stacked _ witnesses. so is more like a grand jury that is stacked with _ witnesses. so is more like a grand jury that is stacked with people . jury that is stacked with people that are not the big fans of donald trump, however i see the presentation as really powerful. and i do not see how you can watch us and say, putting aside what you think of the makeup of the committee, the fact is they put forth a tremendous effort and elicited a tremendous amount of evidence that is extremely powerful. again, maybe it could have been configured differently but under the circumstances, i think with which the members were faced, they did a heck of a job. the members were faced, they did a heck of a job-— heck of a job. joe, former federal prosecutor _ heck of a job. joe, former federal prosecutor think _ heck of a job. joe, former federal prosecutor think use _ heck of a job. joe, former federal prosecutor think use for - heck of a job. joe, former federal prosecutor think use forjoining . heck of a job. joe, former federal i prosecutor think use forjoining us. thank you for watching the special coverage on bbc news of the final public meeting of the january the 6th committee investigating the attack on the us capitol. i was there that day, it was brutal. the

committee has now voted to criminally refer former president donald trump to the us department of justice. a vote without precedent. thank you so much for watching bbc news. hello there. for some parts of the country, the temperature's been ten degrees or more higher than it was yesterday. instead of snow falling, it's rain that's been falling. some areas have seen quite a lot of rain, particularly in the southwest of england. it's led to rising river levels. a couple of flood warnings earlier in scotland, but particularly across southern parts of england where we're seeing some more rain. had a covering of snow earlier in scotland. a lot of that has actually been melting, leading to those rising river levels and following the earlier rain that we've seen in scotland. we're going to have some clearer skies developing overnight also for northern england for a while in northern ireland before blustery showers return. further south across england and wales, we've got another spell of rain developing heavy for a while, pushing into eastern england, keeping temperatures up here. but elsewhere in the clearer skies, it will be colder. temperatures in scotland could be three or four degrees. we've got this early rain

across eastern england shouldn't last long. actually moves away, cloud breaks up. and then we've got more sunshine more widely on tuesday. few showers coming in on that breeze, mostly for western parts of northern ireland, western scotland, where they could be heavy and potentially a bit wintry over the tops of the mountains. the winds here are quite strong, but otherwise the winds are going to be lighter than today, but it's not going to be quite as mild as today. eight in the central belt and ten degrees i think in the midlands. stays windy overnight actually into wednesday in the northwest with frequent showers around that low pressure. we've got another weather system coming in overnight to bring some more rain eastwards across england and wales. and again, it moves away fairly quickly, i think from eastern parts of england. sunshine does follow, but there may well be a bit more cloud on wednesday, bringing in a few more showers, pushing their way into northern england and further eastwards across scotland. again, potentially wintry over the mountains tops, but it's still mild temperatures around nine to 11 degrees. we've got some more weather fronts coming in overnight. familiar pattern. we've got this run of atlantic air, hence the mildness.

but we are seeing some further areas of rain. more rain overnight clears away very quickly by thursday and then we'll see some sunshine for many places could stay a bit cloudy in the south of england, maybe bring some rain into the southwest. we've got some showers coming into scotland. and notice a northerly breeze here that's tucking in some colder air, whereas to the south it's still mild temperatures in double figures. we will see some wet weather moving northwards into that colder air. could see some snow actually by friday. in parts of scotland. it does start to get a bit colder, especially in the north as we head to christmas day.

this is bbc news, i'm ros atkins our top stories. the committee investigating the washington capitol riot unveils its final report, along with a possible recommendation of criminal charges against former president trump. vladimir putin arrives in minsk for talks with president lukashenko as fears grow belarus may be used to launch a new attack on ukraine. 'a peace deal with nature' — the biggest un biodiversity conference in a decade agrees to protect a third of nature around the world. nearly 60 % of twitter users vote for the company chief elon musk to step down , in a poll that he posted himself also in the programme.

after argentina's spectacular world cup victory — the team head home with the trophy after the nation's 36—year wait. the final hearings have been taking place into the january six riots. that's when protesters stormed the capital building to try and overthrow results of the election. within the last few minutes the committee has voted unanimously to refer donald trump to criminal proceedings. the house committee has represented fort charges against donald trump. obstruction against a proceeding. conspiracy to defraud

the united states. conspiracy to make a false statement and to insight and insurrection. the chairman of the currency democrat bennie thompson said the investigation was about who should be given the trust of the american people in order to uphold democratic values. ., , , ., values. donald trump broke that faith. he lost _ values. donald trump broke that faith. he lost the _ values. donald trump broke that faith. he lost the 22 _ values. donald trump broke that faith. he lost the 22 at _ values. donald trump broke that faith. he lost the 22 at elections| faith. he lost the 22 at elections and new weeds but chose to try and stay in office through a multipart scheme to overturn the results and blocked the transfer of power. in the end, he summoned a mob to washington and knowingly they were armed and angry, pointed them to the capital and two of them to fight like hell. , , .., , like hell. the republican liz cheney said donald trump _ like hell. the republican liz cheney said donald trump refusal- like hell. the republican liz cheney said donald trump refusal to - like hell. the republican liz cheney said donald trump refusal to call i said donald trump refusal to call off his supporters when he stormed the capital was shameful. in

additional to being unlawful as we described an oral report this was a moral dealer and a dereliction of duty. evidence of this can be seen in the testimony of president trumps own white house counsel and several witnesses. no man who would behave that way at that moment in time can ever serve in any position of authority in our nation again. he is unfit for any office.— unfit for any office. straight to washington or _ unfit for any office. straight to | washington or correspondence unfit for any office. straight to - washington or correspondence first is life with us. help us understand what a criminal referral is nomia iqbal? it what a criminal referral is nomia lubal? . ., what a criminal referral is nomia lubal? , ., ., ., what a criminal referral is nomia lubal? ., ., ., iqbal? it is a recommendation. for the last 18 months _ iqbal? it is a recommendation. for the last 18 months of _ iqbal? it is a recommendation. for the last 18 months of the - iqbal? it is a recommendation. for. the last 18 months of the committee has been investigating notjust what happened onjanuary has been investigating notjust what happened on january six has been investigating notjust what happened onjanuary six but has been investigating notjust what happened on january six but the events leading up to it. for them it is notjust about events leading up to it. for them it is not just about the events leading up to it. for them it is notjust about the riots but all about the behaviour of donald trump

and his former allies from the moment the election wentjoe biden ins way. they believe there is a direct link from the moment he couldn't seat refused to concede the election to the events of january six. what the committee has done is created all this evidence, nine public hearings which we covered on the bbc to present a compelling case as to why those charges should be brought against donald trump, his allies and others. what they have said today is the ball is in the courts of the departments of justice. it is up to them to decide whether to bring these charges against donald trump. it is worth mentioning the department ofjustice is doing its own investigation into january six and to let you know ross they have been asked what their response is to this recommendation by the committee as of yet they have said no commons, they have declined

to comment. said no commons, they have declined to comment-— to comment. thanks for that first or there may be _ to comment. thanks for that first or there may be some _ to comment. thanks for that first or there may be some viewers - to comment. thanks for that first or| there may be some viewers watching why this is referral it needs to happen given the department of justice can collect whatever evidence and draw its own conclusion? why do politicians need to be involved in that process? i think it's to think. they have legal goals of course. they want to boost the department ofjustice is investigation and give the prosecutor a new sense of urgency saying that we have new testimony and key witnesses here. and he should be looking at that. there are political aims as well. they want to set down the official narrative of what happened onjanuary six, it is a judgment of history. also, certainly the vice chair, liz cheney, this is about presenting a

very comprehensive and compelling case to the american public and votaries that once they look at all of these evidence which would be available for the public on wednesday, they should come to the conclusion that donald trump should never get near the white house again. of course, he is running to be the president and announce that last month. i think you'd safe that they say he thinks he will get the republican nomination. i think this cheney is hoping that politically this case is something the public will bear in mind closer to 202k. the american public may or may not bear it in mind, what about the republican party? is it buried this in mind? with talks about liz cheney before she has been away from the centre of republican thinking, is that still the case? di centre of republican thinking, is that still the case?— centre of republican thinking, is that still the case? of course, many of their republicans, _ that still the case? of course, many of their republicans, those - that still the case? of course, many of their republicans, those loyal- that still the case? of course, many of their republicans, those loyal to | of their republicans, those loyal to donald trump and there is a lot of

them have never believed this committee in the first place. before they won the house, remember they will take out of the house, the house republicans, they wanted, they threatened to create a investigation into the community itself. they, like donald trump believe it is a political witch hunt. they believe it is made up of scoundrels, dogs and hops for the note trumps word. they don't give the committee much credibility. the committee today has referred many republicans are also to the house ethics committee. whether or not that would happen, we don't know. there are also lawyers involved here that are under scrutiny or it. john eastman has been recommended for these charges to be referred to department of justice stock it could be that they're hoping there would be bodies outside of congress, such as legal

implications for them. that somehow this could affect their licence to present to practice law in the future. there are other goals that the committee is hoping to achieve. they are very certain that we heard in the meeting today that they have found evidence and are very clear in emphasising evidence that is strong for the facts and they are hoping now that the department ofjustice does take them on board. hand now that the department ofjustice does take them on board. and finally nomia iqbal— does take them on board. and finally nomia iqbal clearly _ does take them on board. and finally nomia iqbal clearly the _ does take them on board. and finally nomia iqbal clearly the committee i nomia iqbal clearly the committee has goals that hopefully go beyond today. in terms of its work is it now completely done?- today. in terms of its work is it now completely done? well, we believe so- _ now completely done? well, we believe so. we _ now completely done? well, we believe so. we believe - now completely done? well, we believe so. we believe this - now completely done? well, we believe so. we believe this is i now completely done? well, we | believe so. we believe this is the final meat in it, so to speak. that's what they refer to it as, as a meeting. and, in terms of anything that happens next we don't know for

that happens next we don't know for that yet. this was the big build—up this is what the 18 months of investigation was about getting to this point. where they would recommend these charges to the department ofjustice and no they are handing the batten on to them. if anything comes out of this we have not been given an indication of that. ., ., have not been given an indication of that. ., ,, , ., ., ., have not been given an indication of that. ., ,, ., ., president putin is in belarus for talks with his ally, alexander lukashenko, amid speculation that he might try to attack kyiv from belarus, like he did ten months ago. when the russian leader arrived in minsk he was greated on the runway by his belarusian counterpart and close ally alexander lu kashenko. a spokesman for putin dismissed suggestions that pressure was being put on belarus to join the war. calling the reports stupid and groundless speculation. and here's what lukashenko had so say. russia and belarus as the mayor put

in and i always say are open to dialogue with other states including european ones. i hope they would listen to the voice of reason and will move to discuss matters of common security and the future world order. franak viachorka is the chief adviser to the belarus opposition leader in exile sviatlana tsikhanouskaya. he told the bbc president putin would use the visit to push for belarus to become more involved in the war. putin will try to encourage lukashenko for more participation in the war. right now the russian army is using belarusan military infrastructure. airfields. military hospitals, repairing institutions. but, perhaps, putin wants to encourage lukashenko forjoining the army. the russian troops in ukraine. it seems they are preparing the new attack on kyiv territory closer to march or april. and it's very likely there will be some mixed battalions that consist of belarusan and russian soldiers.

these pictures are reported to be from inside belarus. earlier, the defence ministry in moscow announced that russian troops there were starting joint drills, while the belarusian authorities said they'd successfully checked the combat readiness of their troops. meanwhile on the ground in ukraine moscow has launched several drone stikes , hitting key infrastructure in and around kyiv. the ukrainian air force said they shot down 30 drones during the attack. it's the latest in a series of assaults targeting the ukrainian power grid, causing sweeping blackouts amid sub—freezing temperatures. local residents described what happened. my husband asked me what time it was question mark it was i told him it was 3.30 a.m. then loud whirring started. it kept whirring very loudly. then there was one very loud explosion and we didn't really know how it would and for us.

how it would end for us. we couldn't see anything from the window facing that side of the street. so, i went to look out the other window. i saw fire. the entire area was [it up by the fire and there was fire next to the garage. it comes as ukraine's volodymyr zelensky called for his allies to increase the supply of air defence systems to his nation fast. foreign language on the other side of the border —

russian forces claim to have shot down for american missiles. down four american missiles. the defence ministry said us made missiles were intercepted over the over the belgorod region of russia. the regional governor there said one person was killed following shelling by ukrainian forces. life with us from washington, dc. melinda thank you for your time. what do you make of the fact that president zelensky is pushing for greater help with air defence? i think it's the only logical thing to do. right now vladimir putin he can't win on the battlefield so he has gone to a cowardly strategy. he is trying to attack and destroy ukraine's electrical grade. so president zelensky has to push for air defence systems jets and equipment to repair that electrical grade. that is part of the triangle.

you have to have all three for ukraine to make it through the winter. it is good news the us is going to send the patriot system and it should have sent it sooner. {sine it should have sent it sooner. give us an idea — it should have sent it sooner. give us an idea of _ it should have sent it sooner. give us an idea of some _ it should have sent it sooner. give us an idea of some practicalities with the patient system been sent. how quickly can that be operational? we don't know what's a bit of time to change the ukrainian soldiers. it is a difficult system. that is one of the hesitations in sending the system is that it would take a very long time to bring a crew of 90 people up to speed and use a system. but ukrainians have showed they are able to learn systems are faster than we think so the short answer is a couple of months.— a couple of months. what do you think of the _ a couple of months. what do you think of the library _ a couple of months. what do you think of the library using - a couple of months. what do you think of the library using visit - a couple of months. what do you think of the library using visit to l think of the library using visit to minsk that is important is because it stupid speculation what you think of it? it it stupid speculation what you think of it? , , ., , , . of it? it is three years since vladimir —

of it? it is three years since vladimir putin _ of it? it is three years since vladimir putin has - of it? it is three years since vladimir putin has been - of it? it is three years since vladimir putin has been in. of it? it is three years since - vladimir putin has been in minx. the fact that putin is going to minsk says he is groveling and doesn't have very many friends. usually lukashenko goes to moscow. push and something. he wants by the illusion soldiers to help them in some spring offensive lukashenko would likely say no. he knows if he senses man in he loses his independence. will there be use of the aleutian hospitals and military institutions possibly. we are with and see what type of lead to leak out but. ii gee type of lead to leak out but. if we no type of lead to leak out but. if we to back type of lead to leak out but. if we go back ten _ type of lead to leak out but. if we go back ten months _ type of lead to leak out but. if we go back ten months isn't - type of lead to leak out but. if we go back ten months isn't it - type of lead to leak out but. if we go back ten months isn't it true belarus was supportive and helpful at the beginning of the war? it was but it hasn't _ at the beginning of the war? it was but it hasn't sent _ at the beginning of the war? it was but it hasn't sent in _ at the beginning of the war? it was but it hasn't sent in troops. - at the beginning of the war? it was but it hasn't sent in troops. that i but it hasn't sent in troops. that would be a big deal because lukashenko and his regime is on life support. since the store the

elections in 2020 there has been popular dissent and revolts in the country. and he has been hanging on. and his economy is not doing very well at this point. he places one step two step dance with vladimir putin carefully. he is careful not to give vladimir putin too much and would be guarding that carefully. melinda thank you. next — to a major environmental development. after marathon talks that extended late into the night, an agreement has been reached — aimed at protecting the planet's ecosystems that are under threat from colossal environmental damage. here's the reaction from the wwf. we have wmf that has the mission to hold in reverse the loss of biodiversity by 2030. that is exactly the right ambition that we need, because we cannot lose any nature. we need to hold in preserve the loss of nature by 2030.

so let's take a look at what's been agreed. essentially — countries have pledged $200 billion toward supporting biodiversity. part of that involves protecting 30% of the land and oceans by 2030. as well as setting targets to prevent the extinction of species. and providing funding to safeguard biodiversity for low—income countries. here's mike gunton — from the bbc�*s natural history unit. the more connections you have. the more interplay. you just cut one of those strands and the whole thing doesn't collapse. all of the strands support each other. and that's the trouble that people don't realise. when you start cutting these biodiversity of strands, effectively, you don't really notice it and then suddenly the web collapses. so just how critical is the situation? well — one estimate, in 2019, warned thati million plant and animal species face extinction in a matter of decades. to put that into context — that's a rate of loss 1,000 times greater than expected. so for many, this deal has come as a relief. but it hasn't been without its criticisms. one conservation organistation described it as "a mixed bag",

saying that "it fails to advance beyond the targets of 10 years ago in terms of addressing drivers of biodiversity loss." more now from our environment correspondentjustin rowlatt. overall is it's a good news that we've got this agreement on the natural yes it is. we have other targets to protect biodiversity in the past and they have not been met and that suggest there is a huge challenge here. hundred and 96 countries came together in montreal with under chinese leadership and agree that this target. that suggests that they want to do something about this but let's hope and keep watch and be trained to their bus to meet the targets.

now could the new owner of the social media platform twitter, elon musk, be about to step down as the company's chief executive? after a turbulent few weeks at the helm of twitter — he launched a twitter poll —— asking his followers whether he should resign and saying he would respect the outcome.the the poll closed this morning, and you can see the result here —— more than 57% said he should leave. musk used to be the world's richest man —— although he lost that title last week, to the luxury goods tycoon bernard arnault. it was only in october that he bought twitter for a whapping forty four billion dollars. pictures showed him carrying a sink into the twitter hq -- an apparent "dad joke" reference to the phrase "let thank sink in". here's our business correspondent michelle fleury from new york: we haven't had confirmation so it is unclear at the moment so it does look like you have this strange situation where he essentially the billing error, the maverick, the genius depending on your perspective. has possibly fired himself by starting this poll and asking people out there what you

should do next. there is, perhaps, something worth pointing out. in the past he is the tesla ceo, because he is the best of that company he once tweeted asking whether he should sell shares and in fact it became apparent that she had already agreed to sell some of those shares before he conducted that full pole. maybe it became apparent that she had already agreed to sell some of those shares before he conducted that full pole. maybe to the same situation here. perhaps he wasjust planning to step back and this was a way to start of put it to users. the board of context — start of put it to users. the board of context for _ start of put it to users. the board of context for users _ start of put it to users. the board of context for users and - start of put it to users. the board of context for users and i - start of put it to users. the board | of context for users and i to insert remains an unpredictable platform to be on. . ., remains an unpredictable platform to beon. ,., ., ., i, ., remains an unpredictable platform to beon. ., , be on. yes an analyst who covers twitter says _ be on. yes an analyst who covers twitter says it's _ be on. yes an analyst who covers twitter says it's time _ be on. yes an analyst who covers twitter says it's time for - be on. yes an analyst who covers twitter says it's time for his - twitter says it's time for his nightmare rain, the ceo, to end. that is what the new tesla investors look like. if you look at what happened to the share price since musk acquired twitterjust happened to the share price since musk acquired twitter just a happened to the share price since musk acquired twitterjust a mere

eight weeks ago in october. tesla has been under pressure. there is concern that his focus has been distracted from tesla to twitter and has taken up all this time. he said he has a lot of on the moment and is sleeping at twitter it hq although not this past week and because we know he was in qatar for the world cup. as a result of that there is this feeling that you simply trying to do too much and being spread too thin and this may be a way for him to pullback and give some attention and focus to some of the other businesses he owns. in the meantime, of course, twitter, perhaps, he's looking for more investors to look money into the business because as you mention advertisers have been running to the exits because they didn't know what was happening on twitter and what direction it was moving on particularly in regard to content moderation. celebrations went on until late at night in buenos aires after argentina's amazing

world cup victory. the focal point was here, at the famous obelisk in the centre of the city. at one point, an estimated two million people were in and around the area. the tournament has been a unifying force for argentinians. i am feeling very emotional. my dad told me it was like when we one in 86 and now i am living this victory. i have worn the world cup jersey every year that i can remember. this year i decided not to wear one, this year i wanted to wait until the ones i could buy the new shirt with the _ third star. let's go argentina! it's a lot. we have suffered a lot. in everything especially in the economy. thank you so much world cup team. it means a lot. it is everything for us. we arejust... speechless. this is stunning, i cannot believe it. ijust can't believe it. natalio cossoy is an argentine

journalist in buenos aires. he says he has never seen such an outpouring of national pride. people were out in droves. i have not seen a demonstration, a celebration this big in buenos aires in my lifetime. it was absolutely huge, not only here in the capital but also in other places, it is a big country. a lot of, most of the population live in the city and around it, but celebrations everywhere were enormous and it was really nice to see people so happy. the country has been going through some harsh times here in argentina. happy and coming together, something that had not been seen for a while here in argentina so nice to have this extra bit to the football element of it. the mood was different in paris as french fans dealt with their penalty shootout heartbreak. led by the man who scored three

goals in the finals. kylian mbappe a. but it wasn't enough to win them the trophy as a loss out on penalties. here's hugh schofield. it's gutting and obviously everyone here feels deflation after the excitement in the hopes and all the rest of it in the match was, as you say, absolutely heroic. in the way that it was turned around at the end and suddenly became, it seemed a possibility for france to win after playing so badly for so long and then, something in what he said at half—time. something he said that the substitutions, something mbappe, created the spark which was just absolutely so exciting, for a while. and then it all fell flat, so everyone feels deflated and under the weather bit. so as qatar ends the world cup after the controversy about homophobia and its treatment of migrant workers,

what is its legacy? professor grant jarvie, chair of sport at edinburgh university gave us his assessment. when we talk about qatar, has it been a success off the pitch? it is probably not as much as success. but the ethical issues have been well publicised and so they should be, anyone who thinks these will and anyone who thinks these will end with the world cup is seriously out of touch with the changing world order in which energy wealth holds sway, but in terms of soft power. qatar won the soft power battle probably since it was awarded the world cup back in 2010. i am a general believer that football is a generalforce for good, it is a common language that brings people together and i opt for the optimistic over the cynical. but the line between sports washing and sports being a positive leverage

for change is fine but the two are still discernible and both very much at play in this world cup. hello there. for some parts of the country, the temperature's been ten degrees or more higher than it was yesterday. instead of snow falling, it's rain that's been falling. some areas have seen quite a lot of rain, particularly in the southwest of england. it's led to rising river levels. a couple of flood warnings earlier in scotland, but particularly across southern parts of england where we're seeing some more rain. had a covering of snow earlier in scotland. a lot of that has actually been melting, leading to those rising river levels and following the earlier rain that we've seen in scotland. we're going to have some clearer skies developing overnight also for northern england for a while in northern ireland before blustery showers return. further south across england and wales, we've got another spell of rain developing heavy for a while, pushing into eastern england, keeping temperatures up here. but elsewhere in the clearer skies, it will be colder. temperatures in scotland could be three or four degrees.

we've got this early rain across eastern england shouldn't last long. actually moves away, cloud breaks up. and then we've got more sunshine more widely on tuesday. few showers coming in on that breeze, mostly for western parts of northern ireland, western scotland, where they could be heavy and potentially a bit wintry over the tops of the mountains. the winds here are quite strong, but otherwise the winds are going to be lighter than today, but it's not going to be quite as mild as today. eight in the central belt and ten degrees i think in the midlands. stays windy overnight actually into wednesday in the northwest with frequent showers around that low pressure. we've got another weather system coming in overnight to bring some more rain eastwards across england and wales. and again, it moves away fairly quickly, i think from eastern parts of england. sunshine does follow, but there may well be a bit more cloud on wednesday, bringing in a few more showers, pushing their way into northern england and further eastwards across scotland. again, potentially wintry over the mountains tops, but it's still mild temperatures around nine to 11 degrees. we've got some more weather fronts coming in overnight. familiar pattern. we've got this run of atlantic air,

hence the mildness. but we are seeing some further areas of rain. more rain overnight clears away very quickly by thursday and then we'll see some sunshine for many places could stay a bit cloudy in the south of england, maybe bring some rain into the southwest. we've got some showers coming into scotland. and notice a northerly breeze here that's tucking in some colder air, whereas to the south it's still mild temperatures in double figures. we will see some wet weather moving northwards into that colder air. could see some snow actually by friday. in parts of scotland. it does start to get a bit colder, especially in the north as we head to christmas day.

this is bbc news, our top stories: the committee investigating the washington capitol riot recommends bringing criminal charges against donald trump. vladimir putin arrives in minsk for talks with president lukashenko as fears grow belarus may be used to launch a new attack on ukraine. 'a peace deal with nature' the biggest un biodiversity conference in a decade agrees to protect a third of nature around the world. nearly 60% of twitter users vote for the company chief elon musk to step down, in a poll that he posted himself. also in the programme after argentina's spectacular world cup victory the team head home with the trophy after the nation's 36—year wait.