During a series of interviews with CBS News, House Democrats who played a key role in the House Jan. 6 select committee and some of the police witnesses who provided testimony expressed concerns about their safety and the possibility of facing arrest if former President Donald Trump secures a second term in November.
These individuals anticipate being targeted for reprisal by a potential future Trump administration. Trump himself hinted at the prospect of future arrests of certain committee members in a social media post on March 18. In reference to the panel's vice chair, former Rep. Liz Cheney, Trump stated, "She should go to Jail along with the rest of the Unselect Committee!"
Rep. Adam Schiff, a California Democrat and one of the seven Democrats on the Jan. 6 select committee, shared, "My wife and I have had conversations about what life would look like if the worst happened." Schiff, speaking to CBS News in the vicinity of the House chamber during voting sessions last week, added, "You can't avoid the conversations about 'What if?' And I have to think about my own personal safety."
"During our work on the Jan. 6 committee, it became clear to me that when Trump makes a statement, he fully intends to follow through," mentioned Rep. Zoe Lofgren, a California Democrat involved in leading the panel.
"I take that realization seriously," she shared with CBS News. "His words carry weight, and I believe he means what he says."
Lofgren also revealed that she has faced harassment from some of Trump's supporters.
"He is planning to weaponize the Department of Justice...and target individuals like myself," expressed former Washington, D.C. police officer Michael Fanone in an interview with CBS News. Fanone, who testified at a public hearing of the committee in 2021, has been vocal in his criticisms of Trump, accusing him of using authoritarian language.
"His intentions are laid out clearly in his words," added Fanone.
Former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn shared his concerns on CBS News, stating, "Trump means what he says. Anybody who has testified against him, or spoken out in a public capacity, should be worried." Dunn, currently running for a U.S. House seat in Maryland as a Democratic Party candidate, acknowledged the fear of potential arrest but emphasized the importance of doing what is right.
The Trump campaign chose not to address inquiries regarding the possibility of pursuing arrests of the Jan. 6 committee members.
"Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, Liz Cheney, and the Corrupt Democrats on the sham January 6th Committee have lied to the American public for years, denied key witnesses from testifying to the truth, and covered up evidence that proved President Trump, nor any of his supporters, ever engaged in an alleged 'insurrection.' Their entire narrative is a lie and Americans know that Joe Biden is the true threat to democracy," a Trump spokeswoman stated in response to CBS News.
Trump's social media post on March 18 elicited criticism from scholars specializing in the study of authoritarian regimes.
"This sort of post is not what you want to see out of your political leaders in a healthy democracy," remarked political science professor Erica Frantz from Michigan State University. Frantz, an expert in authoritarian politics, highlighted that calls by political figures to incarcerate their opponents raise concerns about potential shifts towards authoritarianism.
Frantz expressed concern that when political figures discuss imprisoning critics, it can create a chilling effect on others.
This tactic is designed to instill fear and discourage individuals from speaking out against those in power," she explained. "As more dissenting voices are suppressed, authoritarian leaders are emboldened to further consolidate their control."
The select committee conducted a high-profile inquiry into Trump, which featured a series of nationally televised hearings. Over the course of its investigation, the committee interviewed numerous witnesses, including key figures from Trump's administration, to assess his attempts to overturn the outcome of the 2020 election. Ultimately, the committee voted to recommend criminal charges against Trump and accused him of jeopardizing the future of democracy by inciting the violent insurrection at the Capitol on January 6.
Following the 2022 midterm elections, in which Republicans regained control of the House, the committee was disbanded. Two members, including Cheney, were unsuccessful in their reelection bids, while two others opted to retire from Congress.
Several committee members have reported facing threats and harassment from supporters of Trump. Additionally, a senior aide in the U.S. House highlighted that a presidential candidate's threats to imprison lawmakers for their public statements and legislative activities could violate the Speech and Debate Clause, which safeguards the autonomy of Congress.
Scientists Discover New Species of Marine Life in the Pacific Ocean
A team of marine biologists recently made an exciting discovery in the depths of the Pacific Ocean. They have identified a new species of marine life that has never been documented before. The newly discovered creature is a type of deep-sea jellyfish with bioluminescent properties.
This groundbreaking discovery was made during a research expedition to the Mariana Trench, the deepest part of the world's oceans. The scientists used specialized deep-sea submersibles to explore the uncharted depths and came across this previously unknown species.
The newly discovered jellyfish is a beautiful translucent creature that emits a soft blue light, making it a mesmerizing sight in the dark ocean depths. The scientists believe that its bioluminescence may be used for communication or attracting prey in the deep-sea environment.
This discovery highlights the importance of continued exploration and research of the world's oceans. It also serves as a reminder of how much of the marine world remains unexplored and undiscovered.
