Mike Pence’s day ended as it began: with a tweet from Donald Trump and prayers. According to the House committee investigating the Capitol attack, Jan. 6 marked the culmination of a campaign of pressure by the US commander-in-chief on his vice president to overturn the election results.
At the third hearing on Thursday, the committee revealed new details. Most importantly, legally: Donald Trump had been repeatedly warned that his plan to ask Mike Pence to reject voters during the certification of the results was illegal, but he continued to insist on Twitter and in front of his supporters. Who, when they swept through Congress, found themselves just 40 feet from Mike Pence as he was evacuated. And if this last point was already known, it remains crucial: according to an elected Democrat, who quoted an FBI informant, members of the Proud Boys intended to kill Mike Pence if they had the opportunity. A look back at 3 p.m. that shook America.
1:00 a.m.: First salvo on Twitter
Two days before, Mike Pence officially announces it to Donald Trump: he will not oppose the certification of the results. The legal theory put forward by lawyer John Eastman has, according to Judge Luttig – who is advising Pence – no legitimacy. But on January 5, Donald Trump lies and yet announces that his vice-president is on the same wavelength as him. And at one o’clock in the morning, on January 6, he called out to him on Twitter to ask him to reject certain electors.
8:17 am: Trump appeals to Pence’s “courage”
“Do it Mike, now is the time to show extreme courage,” Trump insisted on Twitter.
10:02 am: Pence issues official statement
The vice-president publishes on Twitter a statement written with his legal adviser Greg Jacob. He explains why a vice-president is only used to count the votes of the electoral college.
10:58 a.m.: Members of the Proud Boys head to the Capitol
Members of the Proud Boys leave Ellipse Park, where Donald Trump is to give a speech, and head for the Capitol, located 2.5 km away.
11:20 am: Insults on the phone
