Senate seeks explanation for lacking security amid deadly US Capitol attack
On Wednesday, March 3, national security officials testified in the second Senate hearing on the deadly Jan. 6 attack, which is being held in an effort to better understand why security officials were ill-prepared for the insurrection despite intelligence identifying the potential for violence at the Capitol. AdDuring the first Senate hearing on the insurrection, former security officials testified that bad intelligence was to blame for the failure to anticipate the violent intentions of the pro-Trump mob. Far more advanced security measures were in place during the largely peaceful civil justice protests last year, compared to the lack of security measures in place for the deadly Jan. 6 Capitol attack. AdOn Wednesday, the Senate appointed a new sergeant at arms after former official Michael Stenger resigned after the riot. Members of the Three Percenters were among the extremists who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6.
As impeachment trial ends, GOP senators face big decision
If Trump were convicted, the Senate could take a second vote to ban him from running for office again. While none of them are locks to vote for conviction, they have joined with Democrats twice to vote against GOP efforts to dismiss the trial. AdHEADED OUTPennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey, who is retiring from the Senate in 2022, has also voted twice with Democrats to move forward with the trial. All three voted to dismiss the trial, but Portman says he still has an open mind about conviction. EYES ON McCONNELLSenate Republican leader Mitch McConnell has twice voted to dismiss the trial, indicating he will ultimately vote to acquit.
Shelby Township man is 3rd from Michigan charged in connection with US Capitol attack
On Thursday, a Shelby Township man became the third person from Michigan to be charged in connection with the deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. According to court documents, the FBI received a tip that Mels was at the Capitol during the attack. AdAfter searching the manโs phone, the FBI found several photos from inside the Capitol, including a selfie of Mels. Mels was formally charged with knowingly entering a restricted building, in addition to violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. AdThe third man, 30-year-old Michael Foy from Wixom, was also charged for his role in the Jan. 6 attack.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib recounts past death threats in tearful Capitol riot speech on House Floor
The hearing, which detailed the most violent domestic attack on Congress in U.S. history, was emotional for some -- particularly for Rep. Rashida Tlaib from Michigan. Late Thursday night, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., led colleagues in an hourlong session in which Congress members shared their stories from that distressing day. โAnd I feel bad for Alexandria (Ocasio-Cortez) and so many of my colleagues that were here,โ Tlaib said on the House Floor. During her Thursday speech, Tlaib called on members of Congress to rebuke hate speech and urged them do stop downplaying the insurrection. Tlaib isnโt the only member of Congress -- and not even the only one from Michigan -- to receive death threats.