Congressman Brendan Boyle responds to serious charges against Donald Trump

Congressman Brendan Boyle whose father is from Glencolmcille, has described the latest charges against former US President Donald Trump as ‘reassuring.’

The Philadelphia-based congressman was in Capitol Building when it was stormed by rioters on January 6, 2021. He has been a strong voice in calling for Trump to be held to account for his role in inciting a riot.

On Tuesday evening, four charges were filed relating to the former President’s effort to overturn the election result.

The charges are: Conspiracy to defraud the US, Conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, Obstruction of, and attempt to obstruct, an official proceeding, and Conspiracy against rights.

Congressman Boyle issued a short statement on Tuesday evening saying: “In the days following the unprecedented attack on the US Capitol Building on January 6th, I was one of the first members of Congress to publicly call for Donald Trump to be criminally held responsible. 

“It is reassuring to see that now, at long last, justice is being served. This sends a clear message that nobody, not even the former President of the United States, is above the law.”

Prior to the charges being put to him, Trump said on his Truth Social platform: "I hear that deranged Jack Smith, in order to interfere with the presidential election of 2024, will be putting out yet another Fake Indictment of your favourite president, me, at 5pm.

"Why didn't they do this 2.5 years ago? Why did they wait so long? Because they wanted to put it right in the middle of my campaign. Prosecutorial misconduct!"

Donald Trump is due to appear before a federal magistrate judge in Washington on Thursday.

Congressman Boyle was instrumental in setting the wheels in motion for a criminal investigation into Trump’s role in inciting the rioters.

Just weeks after the events of January 6, 2021 and while Donald Trump was still President Congressman Boyle introduced a resolution which helped pave the way for an investigation to take place.

“What happened on January 6 is a serious crime,”  he said at the time. “Donald Trump must be investigated for his role in inciting and perpetuating this crime.

“Provided there is sufficient evidence, as I strongly believe there is, Donald Trump must be indicted, arrested, and put on trial. 

“And if convicted, he should go to prison.” 

Congressman Boyle’s resolution directed the Department of Justice to open a criminal investigation into the president’s actions on January 6, 2021. In his rally to the crowd that attacked the Capitol, President Trump called on his supporters to act with violence by saying “if you don’t fight like hell, you’re not going to have a country.” 

It is understood that further investigations into the deadly riot are ongoing.