Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson has been selected by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as Chair of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol.
Thompson released the following statement regarding the appointment:
“I deep appreciate the responsibility the Speaker has placed in my hands to ensure the January 6th domestic terrorist attack on the Capitol is thoroughly and properly investigated. The Select Committee is uniquely focused on delivering a definitive accounting of the attack—an undertaking so vital to guarding against future attacks. The Select Committee has the same functions and purposes as the Commission that we tried to create – and Senate Republicans sadly blocked.
“I am confident that with Members that share our commitment to follow the facts where they lead, this Select Committee can deliver the answers the American people are seeking. I still have hope that, like after the 9/11 attacks, we can come together in a bipartisan way to investigate this attack on our citadel of democracy and ensure it never happens again.
“I welcome my Democratic and Republican colleagues that have already been named to the Select Committee. Now, let’s get to work.”
Representative Liz Chaney was the only Republican chosen to serve on the committee. Other members include:
- Representative Adam Schiff of California
- Representative Pete Aguilar of California
- Representative Zoe Lofgren of California
- Representative Elaine Luria of Virginia
- Representative Stephanie Murphy of Florida
- Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland
“January 6th was one of the darkest days in our nation’s history, with five people killed, 140 members of law enforcement physically harmed and countless more seriously traumatized,” said Speaker Nancy Pelosi. “It is clear that January 6th was not simply an attack on a building, but an attack on our very democracy: an attack on the peaceful transfer of power. It is imperative that we find the truth of that day and ensure that such an assault on our Capitol and Democracy cannot ever again happen.”
“It had been our hope to establish a bipartisan, independent National Commission, but there is no prospect for that Commission at this time.” continued Speaker Pelosi. “I am proud to name Members who will patriotically honor our oath and our responsibility to the American people: to seek the truth.”
