Rep. Ken Buck, a Republican from Colorado, made a surprising appearance on November 2, adding a new twist to the ongoing case that could impact whether former President Donald Trump can run for the 2024 presidential election in Colorado.
According to The Hill, Buck, who’s a GOP congressman, testified as a witness for Trump’s campaign lawyers. He aimed to challenge the credibility of the House Select Committee’s investigation into the events of January 6.
The core of the case revolves around whether Trump’s actions and speeches leading up to and during the January 6 riots could potentially violate the 14th Amendment. This amendment prohibits individuals who engage in or support an insurrection from holding federal office.
The argument from the plaintiffs is that Trump’s actions on that day supported the rioters who stormed the Capitol during the official Electoral College count, confirming his loss in the 2020 election.
Buck vividly described the chaotic scene on January 6 as Capitol Police tried to secure the House chamber from the advancing rioters. He recalled a moment when a police officer warned those present about tear gas, emphasizing the immediate danger.
Initially, without phone reception and unaware of the full extent of the riots, Buck thought it was just a minor disturbance. But when he returned to his office and saw events unfolding on TV, he realized the seriousness of the situation, noting, Oh my goodness, there are a lot of people out there.
Buck’s testimony followed that of Rep. Eric Swalwell, a Democrat from California, who also shared his experience from that turbulent day.
Trump’s campaign lawyers used Buck’s testimony to question the House Select Committee’s findings on January 6, suggesting that the final report was incomplete and only represented one perspective. They argued that it didn’t adequately consider the Republican viewpoint, particularly from those aligned with Trump, and therefore should not be taken as conclusive evidence.
Buck echoed these sentiments, highlighting the report’s political nature and its purpose to support Democratic efforts to impeach Trump at the time. He stressed the importance of hearing both sides to fairly assess culpability.
The trial’s proceedings have highlighted the deep political divisions surrounding the events of January 6 and how they continue to influence the legal landscape.
With Buck’s testimony taking the spotlight, this case remains a focal point in the broader discussion about accountability and Donald Trump’s future political ambitions.
