Call for FBI Probe into Liz Cheney’s Role in January 6th Case

Person examining document with magnifying glass.

A congressional report is urging the FBI to investigate Liz Cheney over possible witness tampering during the January 6th investigation, stirring potential legal implications.

At a Glance

  • House Republicans call for FBI investigation into Liz Cheney for witness tampering.
  • Encrypted communications between Cheney and Cassidy Hutchinson raise concerns.
  • Report alleges Cheney’s actions violated federal laws protecting witnesses.
  • Legal and political tensions mount as the DOJ is urged to probe the allegations.

Calls for FBI Investigation

A House Republican-led panel has demanded a federal investigation into former Rep. Liz Cheney, citing potential “criminal witness tampering” involving Cassidy Hutchinson, a former aide to Donald Trump. This request stems from a report by the House Administration Oversight Subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Barry Loudermilk, which outlines Cheney’s alleged attempts to manipulate witness testimony during the January 6th Capitol investigation.

The report details concerns about Cheney’s use of encrypted communication app Signal to discuss matters with Hutchinson before her public testimony. This raises questions regarding confidentiality and possible breaches of trust integral to legislative procedures. The subcommittee contends these interactions happened without Hutchinson’s lawyer’s awareness, suggesting a possible violation of laws pertaining to influencing witnesses.

“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.

Legal Allegations and Political Repercussions

The report claims that Cheney’s private communications with Hutchinson could constitute a breach of 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. Should these allegations hold, they not only impact Cheney legally but also bring into question the integrity of the legislative process during high-stakes investigations. Cheney, however, denies these accusations, insisting the panel is engaging in character assassination through false narratives.

“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.

Despite the allegations, Cheney has found support in corners of the Democratic leadership, having endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential election in efforts to counteract Trump. This political backdrop intensifies the spotlight on the Justice Department’s response, influencing the broader landscape of Republican and Democratic narratives as each party vies for tactical leverage ahead of the incoming Trump administration.

Context and Potential Outcomes

The January 6 committee, to which Cheney was a key contributor, aimed to unravel the complexities behind the Capitol breach, ultimately recommending criminal prosecution for Trump. Loudermilk’s subcommittee, reviewing the committee’s findings, accuses the original group of procedural breaches and mishandling witness accounts. Loudermilk, in pushing for this FBI probe, underscores the need for transparent and accountable governance, all while asserting that such scrutiny is in keeping with constitutional guidelines.

The unfolding situation presents procedural questions and political examinations for both parties and the Justice Department. With the review, House Republicans appear determined to hold the January 6 committee accountable, especially pointing out the discrepancies in stored data, witness management, and document handling. The extent of Cheney’s legal exposure and political fallout remains in question as the new administration prepares to take office in January.