CHARLESTON, W.Va. — U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., said Tuesday former President Donald Trump could still face legal accountability for his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
Capito’s comments on “MetroNews Talkline” came three days after the Senate acquitted the former president for inciting the riot. Capito was among 43 Republicans who voted to find Trump not guilty.
“I think that we know that accountability can still come down the line through the civil and criminal courts if so be it in the judiciary system,” she said.
Capito opposed convicting Trump through impeachment proceedings, arguing the process is for public officials. While the House of Representatives impeached Trump on Jan. 13, the Senate trial didn’t begin until Feb. 9, 20 days after Trump left the presidency.
“We could not remove him from office, and that’s the reason I voted to not convict,” the senator noted.
Capito has criticized Trump for his actions leading up to the insurrection, noting he was responsible for the violence that led to five people dying. She said Saturday “history will judge him harshly.”
As for possible legal proceedings, Capito said she will leave possible related actions to the Department of Justice and the judicial system.
“That, in fact, doesn’t come within my realm of what I can actually move forward,” she said.
Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., said on Monday’s “MetroNews Talkline” he is confident people will realize Trump was wrong for his actions related to the insurrection. Manchin voted to find the former president guilty.