Civil Rights Division assigned to examine allegations related to prior congressional testimony.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The Department of Justice has initiated an investigation into Cassidy Hutchinson, a former White House aide who testified before the House committee examining the events of Jan. 6, 2021, according to reporting and statements from officials familiar with the matter.
The inquiry is being led by Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon through the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. The investigation began after a referral from a Trump ally in Congress alleged that Hutchinson provided false testimony during her appearance before the House panel.
According to reporting by the New York Times, the Justice Department assigned the matter to the Civil Rights Division, a move described as unusual because the unit typically handles cases involving systemic civil rights violations such as police misconduct and discrimination.
Hutchinson, now 29, delivered televised testimony in June 2022 in which she described events surrounding President Donald Trump’s speech near the White House on Jan. 6. During that testimony, she said Trump had encouraged supporters to march to the Capitol and was aware of potential risks of violence.
She also recounted a secondhand account involving then-Secret Service Assistant Director Tony Ornato. According to Hutchinson’s testimony, Ornato told her that Trump became upset when he was informed he would be returning to the White House rather than traveling to the Capitol.
Hutchinson testified that Trump said, “I’m the f*cking president! Take me up to the Capitol now!” She further stated that Trump attempted to reach toward the steering wheel of the presidential vehicle before being stopped by Secret Service agent Bobby Engel.
The accuracy of that account has been disputed in subsequent reviews. A House oversight subcommittee led by Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.) later cited testimony from four White House employees present during the Jan. 6 speech, stating their accounts conflicted with Hutchinson’s version of events.
The Justice Department has not publicly detailed the scope of the investigation or whether any charges are being considered. Hutchinson has not publicly responded to the reported inquiry.
The development adds to ongoing scrutiny surrounding testimony and evidence presented during congressional investigations into the Jan. 6 events, as federal authorities review allegations related to witness statements.
Original article
Comments