Capitol riot 'does not happen' without Trump, Jack Smith told Congress
NPR••nation
Key Points:
- Former special counsel Jack Smith told lawmakers that the Jan. 6 Capitol riot "does not happen" without Donald Trump, calling him the "most culpable and most responsible person" in the criminal conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election results.
- Smith defended the indictments against Trump, rejecting claims that the investigations were politically motivated and emphasizing that the evidence was strong enough to sustain a conviction.
- Smith highlighted that testimony from Trump allies and Republican cooperators was key to the case, noting that some Republicans prioritized allegiance to the country over party loyalty.
- According to Smith, Trump knowingly spread false fraud claims, directed supporters to the Capitol, refused to stop the violence during the riot, and endangered Vice President Mike Pence by his actions
