WASHINGTON — Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., chairman of the House Jan. 6 committee, is likely to miss the panel’s Thursday hearing after contracting COVID-19.
Thompson tested positive for the virus Monday and has mild symptoms, he said in a statement. He plans to isolate for several days in accordance with federal guidelines. Committee staff said Thompson has instructed them to proceed with Thursday’s prime time hearing, scheduled for 5 p.m. Pacific, as scheduled.
The hearing will examine in detail what former President Donald Trump was doing in the 187 minutes between when the attack on the Capitol began and when Trump released a video urging rioters to go home. It will be led by Reps. Elaine Luria, D-Va., and Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill. The chairman and Vice Chair Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., have given opening and closing statements at each hearing, even when other committee members lead the presentation and question witnesses.
