Rudy Giuliani pulls out of meeting with Capitol riot committee
‘If he refuses to comply the committee will consider all enforcement options,’ committee spokesperson says
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The House Select Committee investigating 6 January has suggested that contempt proceedings could be a possible next step against former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani.
This comes after he indicated that he wouldn’t appear for an interview with the committee that was set to take place on Friday.
“Mr Giuliani is an important witness to the conspiracy to overthrow the government and he remains under subpoena,” Tim Mulvey, a committee spokesperson, said in a statement according to Politico. “If he refuses to comply the committee will consider all enforcement options.”
The former New York City Mayor and Southern District Attorney had initially agreed to participate in a transcribed interview on Friday. But on Thursday, he told investigators that he wouldn’t participate unless the interview could be filmed.
Mr Giuliani’s lawyer, Robert Costello, has confirmed that the interview was shelved because of Mr Giuliani’s requirement that it be recorded, Politico reported.
Four Trump associates have already been held in contempt by the committee – former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, former Trump advisor Steve Bannon, former trade advisor Peter Navarro and social media manager Dan Scavino.
Mr Giuliani was heavily involved with most of Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election, going to state capitals across the country to urge state lawmakers to reject President Joe Biden’s electors. He also pushed several conspiracy theories about the 2020 election and strategized with other Trump allies and lawmakers about final attempts to keep Mr Trump in office.
Mr Giuliani also worked alongside John Eastman – the lawyer who put forward the legal plan to push then-Vice President Mike Pence to try to overturn the election on his own.
Mr Eastman was beside Mr Giuliani on the morning of 6 January as the former mayor urged rallygoers and future Capitol rioters to get set for “trial by combat”.
Mr Giuliani is still falsely claiming that the 2020 election was stolen.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments