WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal choose has dominated that former Vice President Mike Pence must testify earlier than a grand jury within the Justice Division’s investigation into efforts by former President Donald Trump and his allies to overturn the outcomes of the 2020 election.
That’s in line with two individuals aware of the ruling, who spoke on situation of anonymity as a result of it stays beneath seal.
The individuals mentioned, nevertheless, that Pence wouldn’t should reply questions on his actions on Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob of Trump’s supporters violently stormed the constructing as Pence was presiding over a joint session of Congress to certify the vote.
Pence and his attorneys had cited constitutional grounds in difficult the subpoena. They argued that, as a result of he was serving in his capability as president of the Senate that day, he was protected against being compelled to testify beneath the Structure’s “speech or debate” clause, which is meant to guard members of Congress from questioning about official legislative acts.
Pence’s crew is evaluating whether or not it’ll attraction.
The sealed ruling from U.S. District Choose James “Jeb” Boasberg units up the unprecedented state of affairs of a former vice chairman being compelled to present probably damaging testimony in opposition to the president he as soon as served. And it comes as Pence has been inching nearer to saying a run for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, which might put him in direct competitors along with his former boss.
Pence was subpoenaed earlier this yr to look earlier than the grand jury in Washington investigating election interference.
A Justice Division particular counsel, Jack Smith, is investigating makes an attempt by Trump and his allies to overturn the outcomes of the 2020 presidential election to maintain Trump in energy. A number of Trump aides have already appeared earlier than the grand jury, in addition to one other panel inspecting Trump’s potential mishandling of labeled paperwork at his Mar-a-Lago membership.
A spokesman for the particular counsel’s workplace declined to remark.
Pence has spoken extensively about Trump’s stress marketing campaign urging him to reject President Joe Biden’s victory within the days main as much as Jan. 6, together with in his ebook, “So Assist Me God.” Pence, as vice chairman, had a ceremonial function overseeing the counting of the Electoral School vote, however didn’t have the facility to impression the outcomes.
Pence has mentioned that Trump endangered his household and everybody else who was on the Capitol that day and mentioned historical past will maintain him “accountable.”
Colvin reported from New York.
This can be a growing story. Please examine again for updates.