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The House Select Committee investigating the attacks on the Capitol has issued a new round of subpoenas to groups, including the Oath Keepers, Proud Boys, and others involved in violence both leading up to and on January 6th.
The committee seeks testimony and records from individuals who may have information about the attacks.
“The Select Committee is seeking information from individuals and organizations reportedly involved with planning the attack, with the violent mob that stormed the Capitol on January 6th, or with efforts to overturn the results of the election,” said Committee Chair Bennie Thompson. “We believe the individuals and organizations we subpoenaed today have relevant information about how violence erupted at the Capitol and the preparation leading up to this violent attack. The Select Committee is moving swiftly to uncover the facts of what happened on that day and we expect every witness to comply with the law and cooperate so we can get answers to the American people.”
Members of Proud Boys International, L.L.C., called for violence leading up to January 6th. The Department of Justice has indicted at least 34 individuals affiliated with the Proud Boys in relation to the January 6th attack on the Capitol.
Many individuals associated with the Proud Boys repeatedly spread the former President’s unsupported claim that the 2020 election was stolen and suggested the use of force against police officers and government officials.
Henry “Enrique” Tarrio, who was also subpoenaed, was Chairman of the Proud Boys during the January 6th attack on the Capitol. Though Mr. Tarrio was prevented from entering Washington, D.C., on January 6th, he was allegedly involved in the Proud Boys’ preparation for the events at the Capitol.
Tarrio is currently serving a five-month prison sentence in Washington, D.C, to be followed by three years of probation for burning a Black Lives Matter flag that was stolen from a church in Washington in December 2020.
Individuals associated with the Oath Keepers organization were similarly involved in planning and participating in the violent attack on the Capitol on January 6th. Eighteen members of the Oath Keepers were indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly planning a coordinated attack to storm the Capitol, including by traveling to Washington, D.C., with paramilitary gear and supplies.
The committee also subpoenaed the president of the Oath Keepers, Elmer Stewart Rhodes. Prior to January 6th, Mr. Rhodes repeatedly suggested the Oath Keepers should engage in violence to ensure their preferred election outcome.
Also subpoenaed was the 1st Amendment Praetorian organization and its Chairman, Robert Patrick Lewis. The organization provided security at multiple rallies leading up to January 6th that amplified the former President’s unsupported claim that the election was stolen.
On January 6th, Mr. Lewis tweeted: “Today is the day that true battles begin.” The day after, Mr. Lewis claimed that he was involved in “war-gaming” to continue efforts to overturn the election results.
