Jan. 6 investigators eyeing Pence interview this month

 

LEGAL

Jan. 6 investigators eyeing Pence interview this month

 

Pence was the target of an intense pressure campaign to single-handedly overturn the election results on Jan. 6, 2021.

 

By KYLE CHENEY and NICHOLAS WU

01/07/2022 07:26 PM EST

https://www.politico.com/news/2022/01/07/jan-6-investigators-pence-interview-526790

 

The Jan. 6 select committee is considering requesting a voluntary interview with former Vice President Mike Pence as soon as this month, an aide to the panel confirmed Friday.

 

A request to interview Pence would be the most significant evidence yet that the congressional inquiry is reaching a new, high-level phase as it works toward holding public hearings in the next few weeks and months.

 

Pence was the target of an intense pressure campaign by former President Donald Trump and top allies to single-handedly overturn the election results on Jan. 6, 2021, when Pence was constitutionally required to preside over the certification of the 2020 election.

 

Pence’s refusal to agree inflamed the pro-Trump mob that had swarmed the Capitol that afternoon and led some of them to chant “Hang Mike Pence” as they breached the building and sent Pence fleeing for safety.

 

Committee Chair Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) told NPR earlier in the day that the request to Pence was likely to come in January.

 

"I think you could expect that before the month's out," Thompson said.

 

A select committee aide confirmed Thompson’s remark, saying, “The Chairman’s comments indicate that the Select Committee is contemplating issuing an invitation to the former Vice President some time this month.”

 

A senior official with the committee added that the request will ultimately be timed for whenever it fits into the broader timeline of the investigation.

 

“The committee is taking a responsible and considered approach to these matters and will address these issues in an appropriate fashion and at an appropriate time,” the official said.

 

Several members of Pence’s inner circle have already cooperated with the Jan. 6 select committee, including former chief of staff Marc Short, former communications adviser Alyssa Farah and former national security adviser Keith Kellogg, though it’s unclear if Pence himself would comply if called to testify.

 

Pence has stood by his decision to refuse efforts to impede President Joe Biden’s victory on Jan. 6. Asked during a Nov. 1, 2021 event at the University of Iowa about who had convinced him to buck Trump’s plan, Pence replied “James Madison.”

 

Aides to Pence did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

 

Thompson told POLITICO last week that the panel had yet to have direct contact with representatives for Pence or Trump about setting up interviews. But Thompson noted that advisers to both men had already provided testimony.