According to Cassidy Hutchinson, a former White House aide, former President Trump and his former chief of staff MarkMeadows were both told attendees at a Jan. 6, 2021, rally had weapons.
Hutchinson told the House committee that Trump was angry that the Ellipse didn't fill up for the Electoral College certification rally.
The president said something to the effect of, "I don't care that they have weapons." Hutchinson said to take the magazines away.
The Secret Service uses magnetometers to look for weapons.
Her deposition about Trump's calls to overrule the Secret Service was preceded by testimony that Tony Ornato, a former deputy chief of staff to the president, had told him that some of the people at the rally were carrying weapons.
Hutchinson said thatMeadows didn't look up from his phone as he was told about the security situation.
Audio of radio transmissions from law enforcement was provided by Rep. Liz Cheney. Reports of attendees carrying firearms can be relayed by officers. Some attendees had brass knuckles, knives, tasers and other weapons that were seized after they passed through the magnetometers.
Some of the people in the crowd were wearing body armor and had weapons. "Here's what President Trump told the crowd to do, we're going to walk down to the Capitol."
The Hill has the latest news and video.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
