The first public January 6th hearing was last night. Here are my notes on the highlights:
- "Mike Pence deserves it" - This is what Trump said when the TV coverage showed the rioters chanting "Hang Mike Pence" and those in the oval office surrounding Trump begged him to stop the assault.
- There was a seven part plan to invade the Capitol and overthrow the election - details to be revealed in subsequent public hearings
- Some Congresspeople felt they needed Presidential pardons for anything related to the the attempted coup - and were denied by Trump - names to be revealed later, I hope
- Leaders of the coup attempt communicated with White House fellow coup operatives up to and during Trump's speech which directed the mob to the capitol
- Oath Keepers and Proud Boys organized and led the coup attempt, fully dressed in riot gear with helmets, bullet proof vests, etc.
- Oath Keepers had stored arms in key buildings around D.C. and were on call as armed quick reaction forces if called upon
- About 200+ Proud Boys marched toward the Capitol at 10:30 AM rather than go to watch Trump speak. They cased the Capitol to discover the weakest lines of defense for their planned attack.
- Sworn testimony by a documentary film maker and the video footage of the Proud Boys coordinated move to the Capitol and the subsequent violent combat with local police showed astonishing hatred and violence
- An officer testified to her hours' long hand to hand combat with the violent assault, noting that police are not trained for war or hand to hand combat that lasted for hours.
- Trump was repeatedly told that his claim that the election was stolen was a lie, including by his Attorney General, Bill Barr, who told him it was "bullshit".
- Liz Cheney addressed Republicans supporting the Big Lie and the ongoing attempt to overthrow democracy that someday Trump would be gone, but their dishonor will live on
This was a fascist coup attempt. It is ongoing. We have a Republican Party dedicated to the overthrow of American democracy. People have died. January 6 was a failed coup, but just practice for the next coup.
America is not going to let the MAGA fascist cult take over this country.
