Terrorism expert reveals how Trump's pardons could backfire on Steve Bannon and Roger Stone
On MSNBC Thursday morning, former FBI official Frank Figliuzzi walked through how the House committee investigating the January 6 Capitol attack could conduct business as law enforcement warns of domestic threats.
"Frank, we are mindful that this comes in the middle of a kind of national frog-boiling experiment to make us all forget what 1/6 was about, what the aim of that day was," said anchor Brian Williams. "How could you give teeth to what this committee is doing?"
"It is why this committee — why its work is so very important," said Figliuzzi. "To come alongside the DOJ and FBI investigation while we see the fruits of it in over 600 arrests, this largely occurring behind the scenes. We are not quite sure where it is going. This is transparent. This is us watching us, and we need to get to the bottom of it. But here's the problem. There needs to be very strong coordination between the select committee and FBI and DOJ. We are hearing that that is happening. Why, because if they decide to issue immunity, it compels somebody to talk, the DOJ wants to sign off on that. They can't go across purposes here."
Figliuzzi then walked through the three tools at the committee's disposal to move the investigation of Trump officials along if they try to resist subpoenas.
"They can go civil, and sue somebody for not complying with the subpoena," said Figliuzzi. "They could go criminal, and that is going to involve DOJ and the executive branch going to prosecuting a grand jury. Or they can do a new color option, which is inherent contempt of Congress, where they actually reach out and lay hands on somebody, and arrest them. We haven't seen that for many many decades but we are all in for a real lesson on how this works, or doesn't work."
"There'll be some fascinating things happening with people like Steve Bannon and Roger Stone, who are actually pardoned by President Trump, and may fall into a trap where if they say I'm not talking, Congress says while you are actually pardoned on this kind of topic, you have to talk because you are not facing any charges," said Figliuzzi. "We are in for some real lessons here, watch for people, the DOJ saying you can't give immunity to that person, that would be a tea leaf to pay attention to ... lots to happen, lots to watch for."
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