As the January 6 Committee hearings continue, the hopes of finding accountability are diminishing despite the mounting evidence the committee has unearthed.

However, the public hearings are likely to bring up plenty of evidence for the civil lawsuits being filed against former President Donald Trump and other election conspirators.

Edward Casper, an attorney representing Capitol Police officers who were hurt during the riot, stated in an interview, “What the committee can’t do is hold people accountable. But that’s where criminal prosecutors and civil litigation comes in.”

Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyoming) said at the hearing that Trump attempted “a corrupt scheme to obstruct the counting of electoral college ballots and a conspiracy to impede the transfer of power.”

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Legal scholars and liberals lament the committee’s inability to prosecute Trump and his campaign, but the most realistic answer for justice could be from civil lawsuits.

Conard Smith and seven other Capitol Police officers filed lawsuits against Trump, his campaign and Stop the Steal organizers like Ali Alexander and Roger Stone.

The eight officers have also filed lawsuits against the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys, who played key roles in inciting the violence on January 6.

The lawsuits could bring in huge cash settlements, especially from Trump and his allies, possibly enough to bankrupt them all.

“The committee is playing a critical role here for America,” Caspar stated. “If you think of the three means of seeking accountability for those responsible for the attack—congressional hearings, criminal prosecution, civil litigation—they’re like a three-legged stool. The committee can shine a very bright light on the evidence and present it to the public. That’s something the others can’t do.”

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