What’s Next After the January 6, Congressional Hearings?

On July 21, 2022, the Congressional panel investigating the events of January 6, 2021, concluded the final hearing. In the course of eight hearings, In those hearings, the panel presented the testimony of numerous witnesses, recorded telephone calls, videos of the event, and other information. So now that the hearings are concluded, what is next for the panel? First, it is important to remember that the panel itself has no direct power to charge former President Trump  and/or others with crimes. It is simply a factfinding mission by the panel. However, the panel can make a referral to the U.S. Department of Justice to open a criminal inquiry. The Justice Department can then decide if it is convinced that federal laws were in fact violated, and if the charges can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.. If it is convinced, then the facts can be presented to a federal grand jury to decide if an indictment setting forth criminal charges, against former President Trump and/or others, is issued. Often this process can take months, even years, so stay tuned.