Liz Cheney, former congresswoman and co-chair of the January 6 committee, faces potential investigation for alleged witness tampering during the Capitol breach probe.
At a Glance
- GOP subcommittee advocates for DOJ investigation into Liz Cheney’s conduct.
- Allegations center on Cheney’s communications with Cassidy Hutchinson.
- Subcommittee claims potential violation of witness tampering laws.
- Cheney denies allegations, calling them politically motivated.
GOP Subcommittee Pushes for Cheney Investigation
A House GOP subcommittee, led by Representative Barry Loudermilk, is calling for the Department of Justice to investigate former Congresswoman Liz Cheney for alleged witness tampering during the January 6 Capitol breach probe. The subcommittee claims Cheney communicated with Cassidy Hutchinson, a former Trump White House official, without her lawyer’s knowledge, potentially violating federal law.
Loudermilk’s report alleges that Cheney’s actions may have violated 18 U.S.C. 1512, which pertains to witness tampering. The subcommittee’s findings suggest that Cheney and Hutchinson communicated directly via the Signal app, with Hutchinson later reaching out to Cheney for a phone call.
Allegations and Denials
Representative Loudermilk stated, “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. This secret communication with a witness is improper and likely violates 18 U.S.C. 1512.”
“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. This secret communication with a witness is improper and likely violates 18 U.S.C. 1512.” – Barry Loudermilk
Cheney has vehemently denied these allegations, dismissing them as fabrications and an attempt to cover up former President Trump’s actions.
Political Backdrop and Implications
The controversy unfolds against a politically charged backdrop. Cheney, who co-chaired the January 6 committee, left Congress in 2023 after losing a primary challenge backed by Trump. The committee’s investigation revealed new details about the Capitol attack, including Trump’s alleged inaction during the siege.
Legal experts, including Jonathan Turley, have expressed doubt about the likelihood of ethical proceedings against Cheney, noting her duty to pursue witnesses as a congressional investigator. However, the subcommittee’s report has reignited debates about the conduct of the January 6 investigation and its political ramifications.
Ongoing Controversy and Partisan Divide
The allegations against Cheney have further deepened the partisan divide surrounding the January 6 investigation. Former committee chair Rep. Bennie Thompson criticized Loudermilk’s report as baseless and politically motivated, defending the committee’s work and findings.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the Department of Justice will respond to the subcommittee’s call for an investigation into Cheney’s conduct. The situation underscores the ongoing tensions and disagreements surrounding the events of January 6 and their political aftermath.
Sources:
- 1729. Protection Of Government Processes — Tampering With Victims, Witnesses, Or Informants — 18 U.S.C. 1512
- GOP House subcommittee wants Liz Cheney investigated for ‘witness tampering’
- FBI should probe ‘potential’ Liz Cheney ‘witness tampering’ in Jan 6 matter, House Republicans say
