Investigations
Trump companion Bannon surrenders after indictment by US authorities
Steve Bannon speaks to the press in federal court in Washington. Photo: Alex Brandon / AB / dpa
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Steve Bannon had refused to cooperate with the Congressional investigation into the storming of the Capitol. He was charged for this – and now surrendered to the authorities.
Former chief strategist of then President Donald Trump, Steve Bannon, has surrendered to the authorities after being charged with disregard for Congress.
The Federal Police FBI announced that Bannon appeared in the Washington office of the agency on Monday and was arrested. He appeared in federal court in Washington later on Monday. US media – including the broadcaster CNN and the Washington Post – reported that the judge responsible had ordered that Bannon would not be detained until the trial, but would remain free under certain conditions. His next appearance in court is scheduled for Thursday.
Bannon then left the courthouse with his lawyer and acted combative. “I will never give in,” he said. “You took on the wrong person.” He will go on the offensive and fight the charges.
The 67-year-old was charged on Friday for disregarding Congress on two counts. Bannon is accused of defying the House of Representatives summons to forcibly storm the Capitol, the US Department of Justice said on Friday. In addition, he did not provide the body with the required documents. If convicted, Bannon could face a prison sentence of at least 30 days and up to a year per charge.
After Bannon refused to cooperate in the investigation, the House of Representatives and a majority of the Democrats paved the way for criminal action against him in late October. The decision on a possible charge was then the responsibility of the Justice Department.
Supporters of Republican Trump stormed the seat of the US Congress on January 6th. Five people were killed, including a police officer. Trump had to face impeachment proceedings because of the attack because he had previously incited his supporters in a speech. In the end, however, he was acquitted. Bannon, in turn, is suspected of having had prior knowledge of plans for violent protests. The day before he said in his podcast, among other things: “Tomorrow all hell breaks loose.”