Jan 6. committee 'obligated' to consider criminal referrals, chairman says

The committee investigating the Jan. 6 siege on the U.S. Capitol "is obligated" to report crimes it uncovers to the Justice Department, according to Rep. Bennie Thompson.

The committee investigating the Jan. 6 siege on the U.S. Capitol "is obligated" to report any crimes it uncovers to the Justice Department, according to the committee's chairman, despite calls from several legal experts that such a move would be counterproductive.

"If, in the course of our review, we find something that we think warrants review or recommendation to the Department of Justice, to be honest with you, we will do it," Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., the chairman of the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, said Sunday on "This Week with George Stephanopoulos."

"We are not looking for it," he continued. "But if we find it, we will absolutely make the referral."

Legal and ethics experts have warned the panel that it risks setting dangerous precedent if it chooses to submit criminal referrals for former President Donald Trump or lawmakers who communicated with him as protesters stormed the Capitol complex.