1/6 panel requests interview from GOP leader Kevin Mccarthy

WASHINGTON » The House panel investigating the U.S. Capitol insurrection requested an interview and records from House Minority Leader Kevin Mccarthy on Wednesday, as it shifts its focus to former President Donald Trump’s inner circle — and what he was doing as hundreds of his supporters brutally beat police, stormed the building and interrupted the certification of President Joe Biden’s victory.

Mississippi Rep. Bennie Thompson, Democratic chairman of the panel, requested that Mccarthy, Rcalif., provide information to the nine-member panel regarding his conversations with Trump “before, during and after” the riot. The request also seeks information about Mccarthy’s communications with former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows in the days before the attack.

“We also must learn about how the President’s plans for January 6th came together, and all the other ways he attempted to alter the results of the election,” Thompson said in the letter. “For example, in advance of January 6th, you reportedly explained to Mark Meadows and the former President that objections to the certification of the electoral votes on January 6th ‘was doomed to fail.’”

But it remains unclear whether the panel will be able to gain testimony from Mccarthy or any other congressional allies of Trump. While the committee has considered subpoenaing fellow lawmakers, that would be an extraordinary move and could run up against legal and political challenges.

Lawmakers are seeking a window into Trump’s state of mind from an ally who has acknowledged repeated interactions with the thenpresident. The committee also wants to question Mccarthy about communications with Trump and White House staff in the week after the violence, including a conversation with Trump that was reportedly heated.