Rep. Bennie Thompson (D.Miss.), is the chairman of this select committee. Riggleman was confirmed by a press release, just an hour after Bloomberg reported Riggleman as a new member of the select committee. POLITICO was confirmed by two sources close to the investigation.Thompson stated that Riggleman is not only a former House colleague but also has a rich background in intelligence and national security matters.Riggleman posted a Twitter video Friday night claiming that the assignment was one of the most significant in his life. This includes the fact that I deployed almost 20 years ago, right after 9/11.We don't have to worry about whether the jerseys are colored or if our names include an R or D. Riggleman stated that it was time to examine the facts and to determine if there are any ways to prevent similar events from happening in the future. "I want everyone to know that I will do this professionally, transparently, and ethically."Riggleman, who has repeatedly stated he would serve on this committee if asked, met Liz Cheney (Republican from Wyoming). Last month, Nancy Pelosi and her staff met with Riggleman to discuss the possibility that they might work together on the panel.Cheney, the most prominent House Republican to be appointed to the committee, publicly praised Riggleman last Month, while his name was being considered.In a short interview, Cheney stated that Denver would be a great place to live. Denver has years of experience in cyber issues, particularly in the area of cybersecurity. He would be an invaluable addition to the committee's work in understanding and recognising the extent of social media platforms used, as well as the communications that took place in the period leading up to the 6th.Thompson also revealed that the panel had hired Joseph Maher, a staffer Cheney suggested. Maher will work as a Principal Deputy General Counsel at the Department of Homeland Security."Mr. Maher is a distinguished public servant who I am grateful to Representative Cheney for suggesting that he join my team. Thompson stated that these two people will be a valuable source of insight and expertise in putting together the events of January 6th and the period leading up to it.Trump's allies are likely to reject the panel's findings, despite Democrats being able now to point out the participation of two conservatives, Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R.Ill.), and now Riggleman.After Pelosi rejected Jim Jordan (R.Ohio), and Jim Banks, (R.Ind.), Kevin McCarthy, House Minority Leader pulled all five of his picks for the select panel. .Republicans and the GOP leader have mostly criticized the top Democrats' move and sought to portray the panel as a partisan ploy to harm Trump and the GOP in the run-up to the midterms. They also pointed out the participation of three ex-House impeachment managers as well as the uneven distribution of seats between Republicans and Democrats on the panel, which they claim proves it is against them.House Democrats and some Republican lawmakers have reminded their GOP counterparts that they rejected a resolution to create a bipartisan 9/11-style committee earlier in the year. This was after one of their own, Rep. John Katko (R.N.Y.). They then reached a deal together with Democrats. The agreement was then rebuffed by the GOP leaders who began an informal whip operation.35 House Republicans voted for the commission despite this effort. Two Republicans voted against the formation of the panel. Both of them now serve as Pelosi's representatives.The committee's first hearing was held last month. It featured four law enforcement officers who spoke out about the violence and racism they faced in the face of rioters trying to overthrow President Joe Biden's victory.Heather Caygle, Myah Ward and others contributed to this report.
