Pelosi picks Trump antagonist from Illinois for riot investigation

Rep. Adam Kinzinger
Photo credit Getty Images

Another Republican critic of former President Donald Trump has been named to a special committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riot.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Sunday appointed Rep. Adam Kinzinger to the panel.

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In a statement, Pelosi said Kinzinger, an Illinois Republican, will bring "great patriotism to the committee’s mission: to find the facts and protect our Democracy."

Kinzinger "humbly accepted" the appointment. He issued a statement pledging to "work diligently to ensure we get to the truth and hold those responsible for the attack fully accountable."

Kinzinger agreed to participate in the investigation despite retaliatory threats from House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy that he could be stripped of his regular committee assignments.

"For months, I have said that the American people deserve transparency and truth on how and why thousands showed up to attack our democracy," Kinzinger said in a statement. "Self-governance requires accountability and responsibility. My faith requires the same of me, truth is necessary for order, and that’s what I will do."

Kinzinger joins Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming as two Republicans on the committee, both selected by Pelosi. The lawmakers were among the 10 House Republicans to vote for Trump’s second impeachment, and were the only two Republicans who voted to form the special committee.

Kinzinger and Cheney have faulted Trump as a factor in spurring the insurrection with his persistently false claims that the 2020 election was “stolen” due to voting fraud, the Associated Press reported.

Per committee rules, Pelosi has the authority to approve or reject members. Last week, she refused to accept the GOP's appointments of Indiana Rep. Jim Banks and Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan. Both are outspoken Trump allies who pushed to overturn the presidential election results. She accepted the three other picks -- Illinois Rep. Rodney Davis, North Dakota Rep. Kelly Armstrong and Texas Rep. Troy Nehls. But McCarthy said that all five or none would participate.

Pelosi has said the committee will push on with its investigation whether or not Republicans participate. The GOP, meantime, has pledged to conduct its own investigation.

The committee is set to hold its first hearing on Tuesday. Members will hear testimony from law enforcement and first responders about their experiences during the siege by supporters of the former president, the worst assault on the Capitol in two centuries.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images