LANSING — Last week, House Minority Leader Donna Lasinski and Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich announced they would be urging fellow Republicans and Democrats in their chambers to create a bipartisan committee to investigate and uncover the full extent of the unique role Michiganders played in the January 6th insurrection that killed five and injured 140 officers in Washington DC.
On Tuesday, Lasinski and Ananich held a joint press conference detailing next steps to achieve a committee that would feature six House members and six Senate members evenly split by party. The resolution has progressed to committee to await a hearing.
House Democratic Leader Donna Lasinski: “Michigan played a unique role in setting the stage for that attack and attempted insurrection — from serving as a dress rehearsal when an armed mob entered our state Capitol to state officials bringing false electors to Lansing in an attempt to undermine the results of a fair and free election. The people of Michigan deserve answers and accountability for those involved.”
Senate Minority leader Jim Ananich: “It’s important that we determine or help determine if April of last year really was a dress rehearsal for what happened in January. And if we could have those conversations in a meaningful, productive way, in a bipartisan way, we can get answers that I think others will not be able to get.”
Last week, the MDP walked through the many ways state legislators established themselves as apologists of last year’s militia “dress rehearsal” that took place in Lansing, incited the insurrection by lending their voice to the Big Lie, or coordinated contributions to the violent display in Washington.
Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lavora Barnes released the following statement:
“We’re encouraged by the efforts of Leaders Donna Lasinski and Jim Ananich to hold insurrection sympathizers accountable with a bipartisan investigation into just how much Michigan lawmakers and political leaders contributed to the insurrection in Washington. Now that the resolution is in committee awaiting a hearing, it will take pressure from all of us to urge Republicans to do the right thing and work with their colleagues across the aisle to uncover Michigan’s connection to the atrocities we witnessed as a nation on January 6th.”
Press across Michigan covered this investigative effort to understand why Michigan served as a breeding ground for the extremism that contributed to the occupation of our nation’s Capitol. Roundup of top stories below:
The Detroit News: House, Senate Dem Leaders Push for Review of Michigan Ties to Jan. 6 Insurrection
Bridge Michigan: Democrats Seek Commission to Probe Michigan Ties to Capitol Insurrection
WWMT: Democratic Leaders Call for Bipartisan Investigation on Michigan’s Insurrection Ties
9 & 10 News: Democrats in Lansing Call for Michigan Investigation Into Jan. 6th Riots
WLNS: MI Dems Call For Investigation Into Michigan’s Role In Jan 6 Insurrection
