House Republicans, conducting their own investigation of the Jan. 6 insurrection, plan to accuse the Capitol security apparatus of "negligence at the highest levels," Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) tells Axios.
Why it matters: By placing blame on the building's top security officials, this shadow investigation gives the GOP an alternative frame for discussing the 2021 Capitol assault.
Banks told us the GOP investigators — who consist of exiles denied seats on the formal Jan. 6 committee, controlled by Democratic leaders — have "absolutely" uncovered new information.
- The group plans to issue a report, including legislative recommendations, before this fall's midterms.
Reality check: The strength of security surrounding the Capitol building had been enough to protect it from assault since the British burned it in 1814.
- That period encompassed the Civil War, the civil rights and Vietnam protests, as well as the disputed 2000 presidential election.
- The only time it was breached, and the Confederate flag carried through its corridors, was after President Trump encouraged a crowd on the Ellipse to march on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
State of play: The information the group has gathered will determine what aspects of the Capitol assault warrant further scrutiny from a potential Republican majority, a source familiar with the probe told Axios.
- They lack a key investigatory tool right now as the minority party in Congress: subpoena power.
Be smart: Trump isn't waiting for the report....
- "If Nancy Pelosi does her job on security, there is no 'January 6,'" he said in a Feb. 4 statement.
- He called