Trump DOJ bid to indict star witness Cassidy Hutchinson rejected as grand jury throws out Jan. 6 request

Grand jury rejects indictment

A Washington grand jury refused prosecutors’ request to indict Cassidy Hutchinson, a former White House staffer who testified about Donald Trump’s conduct on Jan. 6, 2021. Her appearance became one of the most prominent moments of the House investigation into the Capitol attack.

It is unusual for grand juries to decline indictments. The article says Washington grand jurors have also rejected Justice Department efforts in other high-profile cases under Trump.

What Hutchinson told lawmakers

Hutchinson testified at a hearing announced 24 hours beforehand. As a special assistant to Mark Meadows, then Trump’s chief of staff, she was close to the center of power. She described Trump as angry and defiant, saying he tried to let armed protesters bypass security screening at a rally. She also testified that he wanted to go to the Capitol, and that he did not intervene as violence unfolded and the crowd chanted “Hang Mike Pence.”

SUV account was disputed

Hutchinson’s account of Trump grabbing the presidential SUV’s steering wheel drew particular attention. She acknowledged she had heard about the episode from a White House security official and was not present herself.

A transcript released by House Republicans in March 2024 recorded an interview with the Secret Service officer who drove the vehicle. The driver said Trump insisted on going to the Capitol but did not see the altercation Hutchinson described.

Other cases and allegations

Hutchinson alleged that people in Trump’s inner circle offered job opportunities and financial assistance while she cooperated with the committee. She told lawmakers her loyalties were with the truth; her former attorney disputed that account.