Politics

Steve Bannon convicted of contempt of Congress for defying Jan. 6 committee subpoenas

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Former Trump advisor Steve Bannon has been convicted by a jury on two counts of contempt of Congress for failing to comply with a subpoena from the January 6 committee.

The federal grand jury returned the guilty verdict after deliberating for less than three hours.

Federal prosecutors had argued that Bannon, a former advisor to former President Donald Trump, “chose allegiance to Donald Trump over compliance to the law.” Bannon had said the day before the Capitol riot that “all hell” would break loose on January 6.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Gaston said in closing arguments, “When it really comes down to it, he did not want to recognize Congress’ authority or play by the government’s rules.”

Bannon pleaded not guilty to the charges but thanked the jury and said that they “respect their decision.” He added, “We may have lost a battle here today, but we’re not going to lose the war. I stand with Trump and the Constitution. And I will never back off that ever.”

According to his trial lawyer, Bannon “wanted to testify publicly in this case under oath… exactly what the true facts of the case are. However, on the advice of counsel, he has decided not to testify because he understands he would be barred in telling the true facts… and what he did not do in relation to the subpoena.”

Committee Chairman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) and Vice Chair Liz Cheney (R-WY) celebrated the verdict. “The conviction of Steve Bannon is a victory for the rule of law and an important affirmation of the Select Committee’s work,” the two committee leaders said in a statement. “Just as there must be accountability for all those responsible for the events of January 6th, anyone who obstructs our investigation into these matters should face consequences. No one is above the law.”

MANAGING EDITOR: CARSON CHOATE

PHOTO CREDITS: OREGON LIVE

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