A House panel calls for an FBI investigation into potential witness tampering by Liz Cheney during the January 6 Capitol inquiry, but what implications could this have?
At a Glance
- House panel urges FBI probe into Liz Cheney’s alleged witness tampering with Cassidy Hutchinson.
- Cheney allegedly communicated with Hutchinson via Signal app, possibly violating federal laws.
- Cheney denies all allegations, calling them lies and defamatory accusations.
- The confrontation highlights ongoing political tensions related to the January 6 Capitol breach.
Call for Federal Investigation
The House Administration Oversight Subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Barry Loudermilk, has requested the Department of Justice to investigate former Representative Liz Cheney. The accusation pertains to possible “criminal witness tampering” with Cassidy Hutchinson, who previously served as an aide to Donald Trump. Reports suggest Cheney might have influenced Hutchinson’s testimony during the inquiry into the January 6 Capitol breach, potentially bypassing federal witness tampering laws. Such interference, if proven, would mark a significant breach of legislative protocol.
The subcommittee issued a report recommending this investigation. It claims Cheney communicated with Hutchinson through the encrypted Signal app before Hutchinson’s public testimony in June 2022. This communication allegedly occurred without Hutchinson’s attorney’s knowledge, possibly infringing on federal laws outlined in 18 U.S.C. 1512, which protects against tampering with witnesses, victims, and informants and 18 U.S.C. 1622, which prohibits any person from procuring another person to commit perjury. The report implies that Cheney’s actions extended beyond normal legislative functions, possibly contravening existing statutory protections.
“Evidence uncovered by the Subcommittee revealed that former Congresswoman Liz Cheney tampered with at least one witness, Cassidy Hutchinson, by secretly communicating with Hutchinson without Hutchinson’s attorney’s knowledge,” stated Loudermilk in the report.
BREAKING NEWS!: Just minutes ago, a Congressional Committee recommended Liz Cheney be investigated for witness tampering. They have formally accused Cheney and says the FBI should criminally investigate her for witness tampering. See John Solomon's breaking news report seen first… https://t.co/umwfSCQ3hB
— David Brody (@DBrodyReports) December 17, 2024
Allegations and Denials
Liz Cheney has denied the allegations, asserting that the claims are fabricated and defamatory. Denying wrongdoing, Cheney has portrayed the accusations as politically motivated. The panel’s report details several charges, including Cheney conducting private interviews with Hutchinson outside of standard committee protocols. Former committee chair, Rep. Bennie Thompson, defended the thoroughness of the January 6 committee’s investigation, countering claims of misconduct or oversight.
“Based on the evidence obtained by this Subcommittee, numerous federal laws were likely broken by Liz Cheney, the former Vice Chair of the January 6 Select Committee, and these violations should be investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation,” charges the report.
The report elaborates on the alleged communication with Cassidy Hutchinson, suggesting Cheney encouraged false testimony against Trump. Hutchinson’s testimony, which included controversial claims regarding Trump’s actions on January 6, was later contested by other witnesses. The report’s authors argue that Hutchinson, under Cheney’s influence, could have committed perjury.
Legal and Political Implications
The House panel’s recommendation for an FBI investigation into Cheney does not inherently compel action. It remains uncertain whether the Justice Department, particularly under leadership appointed by Trump, will proceed with the investigation. This development is another chapter in the ongoing conflict between Trump and Cheney, exemplifying the divisions stemming from the events of January 6. In the broader political arena, Cheney has become an outspoken critic of Trump, even endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris in the previous election.
While Cheney and the subcommittee exchange allegations, the Justice Department’s eventual decision could influence the political landscape. If validated, such findings might redefine the legislative boundaries and reinforce the importance of adhering to constitutional processes, emphasizing transparency and accountability in governmental affairs.
