ToplineSenator Susan Collins (R. Maine) said Sunday that there is no doubt that former President Donald Trump instigated rioters at the Capitol on January 6. She was one of a few Republicans who are still willing to point out Trump's guilt in the incident.WASHINGTON DC - JUNE 22, Sen. Susan Collins (R - ME) departs a bipartisan meeting with Senators at the... (+) office of Senator Kyrsten Sinema, D-AZ, on Capitol Hill, June 22, 2021. Later Tuesday, the Senate will hold a procedural voting on the For the People Act (a bill that protects voting rights) which was championed in Congress by Democrats. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images). Getty ImagesThe Key FactsCollins stated that Trump was involved in the instigation and motivation of the rioters during a CNN State of the Union presentation. She also noted that she voted for Trump's conviction for inciting the attack on his February 2nd impeachment trial. These comments echo the testimony of four law enforcement officers at Tuesday's Jan. 6 select committee hearing. Many pointed out Trump as the primary suspect and asked that the panel investigate his and his associates' involvement in the attack. Collins also attacked Nancy Pelosi, House Speaker, for refusing to seat Jim Jordan (R.Ohio), and Jim Bankss (R.Ind.). Collins also criticized Nancy Pelosi for refusing to seat Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Jim Banks (R-Ind.). Pelosi cited the absurd statements and actions of Banks and Jordan, who claimed they were the panel's right-wing bomb-throwers. Collins also suggested that Trump's Jan. 6 call with Jordan might make him a material testimony. Jake Tapper, host, noted that it was Collins, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell who blocked the commission in May. Forbes reached out to Pelosis' office for comment.Chief CriticProtecting Sen. Collins and other legislators from terrorist attacks on the Capitol Capitol on January 6th was a dangerous task for police officers. They deserve better than an investigation by lawmakers who toured with an insurrectionist at the border and spent the week trashing their heroisms on cable news. Robyn Patterson, a Pelosi spokesperson, told Forbes that House Republicans were determined to disrespect the heroes who saved the Capitol from insurrection.Important BackgroundCollins' comments about Trump were made while other top Republicans have reversed their initial criticisms of him over Jan. 6. Kevin McCarthy, House Minority Leader, was asked about his comments criticizing Trump in January. He said that he did not have the information today and instead blamed Pelosi.Big Number58%. This is the percentage of voters who indicated that they would support a congressional committee to investigate Jan. 6, according to a Politico/Morning Consult poll. It was conducted in June. This is a decrease of 66% from June's 66%. Support dropped by 13 points for independents, and 11 points for Republicans. However, it increased a point with Democrats.Important QuoteTrump sent us to the Capitol because of the rioters who tried to break into it. Choose the right side. We want Trump," Capitol Police sergeant Aquilino Gnell testified Tuesday. He described how he was crushed by rioters in the scuffle and then thought, "This is how I'm going to die."What to WatchThe leaders of the select committee indicated that they are willing to subpoena potential witnesses as part their investigation. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D–Miss.) said that they plan to conduct a thorough review and can't give you a number. Forbes was informed Wednesday by the chair of the panels, who added that they are looking at a lot more people.
