Jan. 6 committee looks to question GOP lawmaker over Capitol tour

It is common for lawmakers to give tours of the Capitol

Published: May 19, 2022 3:36pm

Updated: May 19, 2022 4:25pm

The Jan. 6 committee investigating the U.S. Capitol riot on Thursday requested information from Georgia Republican Rep. Barry Loudermilk about a tour they claim he led one day before the "Stop the Steal" rally.

The Democratic-led panel claimed in a letter to Loudermilk that "some individuals and groups engaged in efforts to gather information about the layout of the U.S. Capitol, as well as the House and Senate office buildings, in advance of January 6, 2021."

The committee says its evidence "contradicts" House Republicans' claims that "no large groups" and "no one with MAGA hats on" toured the capitol preceding Jan. 6.

The Jan. 6 panel asked Loudermilk to meet with them next week.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, anyone could obtain a Capitol tour through the Capitol Visitor Center or their member of Congress.

The Senate began allowing small staff-led tours in December 2021, Roll Call reported. Tours through the Capitol Visitors Center are still virtual but they are expected to fully reopen at the end of this month, The New York Times observed.

The request comes days after Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) said the Jan. 6 committee has no plans to call former President Donald Trump to testify.

Last week, the committee subpoenaed House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif) along with Reps. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Mo Brooks (R-Ala.) and Scott Perry (R-Pa.).