DOJ says it won’t prosecute Attorney General Merrick Garland after House contempt vote - CNN

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has decided not to prosecute Attorney General Merrick Garland after the House of Representatives voted to hold him in contempt for refusing to provide documents related to the FBI's investigation into the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol. This decision was announced in a letter from the DOJ to the House committee overseeing the investigation. The letter states that the DOJ has "carefully considered" the matter and has "concluded that it would not be appropriate to prosecute." This decision comes after the House voted 220-210 to hold Garland in contempt, with all Democrats and one Republican voting in favor. The contempt vote was a largely symbolic gesture, as the DOJ has the ultimate authority to decide whether or not to prosecute. The DOJ's decision not to prosecute Garland comes as the House committee continues its investigation into the January 6 attack. The committee has already held several public hearings, and it is expected to issue a final report on its findings in the coming months. This investigation is highly politically charged, with Republicans accusing Democrats of using the committee as a tool to attack former President Donald Trump. The DOJ's decision not to prosecute Garland could further inflame these partisan tensions.

Summary

"The DOJ's decision not to prosecute Attorney General Merrick Garland after the House voted to hold him in contempt for refusing to provide documents related to the FBI's investigation into the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol is a significant development in the ongoing political battle over the investigation. The decision could further inflame partisan tensions, as Republicans accuse Democrats of using the committee as a tool to attack former President Donald Trump."

Updated at: 06.16.2024