The Department of Justice is seeking a federal criminal indictment against Cassidy Hutchinson, a former aide to White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, on charges of lying to Congress regarding former President Donald Trump's actions during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Prosecutors from the DOJ's Civil Rights Division began presenting evidence to a federal grand jury earlier this week.
Hutchinson, 29, provided significant testimony to the House January 6 Committee in 2022. She stated that Trump appeared unconcerned about armed supporters at the Capitol, allegedly saying they were "not here to hurt me." She also testified that Trump lunged at a Secret Service agent in his limousine after being driven away from the Capitol against his wishes.
The Justice Department initiated a federal criminal investigation into Hutchinson earlier this year. The probe is reportedly being overseen by Trump ally Harmeet Dhillon, who leads the Civil Rights Division. Additional evidence and witnesses are expected to be presented to the grand jury later this month, though Hutchinson has reportedly not been subpoenaed.
Hutchinson acknowledged late last month that she was the target of a federal criminal investigation and stated she plans to invoke her Fifth Amendment right if compelled to testify. The involvement of the Civil Rights Division in this case is notable, as the division has reportedly overhauled its mission during Trump's second presidential term.
Congressman Barry Loudermilk, chair of the House Republicans' January 6 Committee, sent a criminal referral to the Justice Department in March, urging an investigation into Hutchinson. Loudermilk accused Hutchinson of perjury in her testimony.
Trump has denied the incident involving the Secret Service agent, and the driver of the limousine has disputed Hutchinson's account. The Justice Department declined to comment on the potential indictment, and an attorney for Hutchinson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.