Capitol riots: Prosecutors probe Trump role in election challenge – report

BBC News:-

The US Justice Department is examining Donald Trump’s actions in connection with efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election, say US media.

Federal prosecutors have reportedly asked witnesses directly about the behaviour of the former US president.

So far, they have chosen not to open a formal criminal investigation into Mr Trump himself.

Rioters stormed the US Capitol on 6 January 2021 in an effort to overturn the president’s election defeat.

No former US president has ever been indicted for criminal conduct.

Mr Trump has publicly praised those who attacked the building, but denies any personal wrongdoing.

The Justice Department already has a criminal investigation into what happened on 6 January. The reports that witnesses are being questioned about Mr Trump’s role does not mean that federal prosecutors will decide to pursue criminal charges against him.

The investigation is separate to the high-profile, televised Congressional hearings that have taken place over the past few weeks on the same subject – which Mr Trump has characterised as a political witch hunt.