By Steve Neavling
A comprehensive review of the Justice Department’s actions surrounding the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, as well as the Trump administration’s involvement leading up to the event, is unlikely to be released before the upcoming November election, according to the department’s top internal watchdog.
Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz told lawmakers on Wednesday that while he recently received a draft of the much-anticipated report, the timeline for its completion and public release is expected to extend past Election Day, Politico reports.
“I doubt it would be done in time for the election,” Horowitz said during a hearing held by the House subcommittee investigating the alleged “weaponization” of the federal government.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) pressed Horowitz on the matter, asking, “Is it going to be done before the inauguration?”
“That is certainly my hope,” Horowitz replied.
The report, which was ordered shortly after the Jan. 6 riot, is expected to cover a broad range of issues, including former President Trump’s efforts to pressure DOJ officials to intervene in the 2020 election results and the department’s response to the violence that unfolded at the Capitol.
Horowitz, who has served as the department’s inspector general since 2012, explained that part of the delay was due to the decision to pause the review during the Justice Department’s criminal investigations into the Capitol attack. The investigation resumed last year, but Horowitz noted that the report must still undergo a review by top DOJ officials and a classification check before it can be made public.
The Justice Department has charged more than 1,500 people in connection with the Jan. 6 riot, with new cases being filed regularly.
