Washington – Former Trump strategist Steve Bannon has been charged with contempt of Congress after refusing to testify about the United States Capitol riot.
The right-wing media executive had been summoned to testify on what he knew about plans for the protest that ended with the storming of Congress.
The 67-year-old’s lawyers argued that his communications involving the former president were protected.
Bannon could face up to a year in prison and a US$100 000 (£74 500) fine.
Trump supporters raided the US Congress building on January 6 as lawmakers were meeting to certify the election result.
Trump, a Republican, has refused to acknowledge losing the election to Democratic President Joe Biden last year, making claims – without evidence – of mass voter fraud.
In a statement released on Friday, US Attorney General Merrick Garland said the indictment reflected the justice department’s “steadfast commitment” to the rule of law.
Subpoena documents quote Bannon – who currently hosts the right-wing War Room podcast – as saying on the eve of the riot that “all hell is going to break loose tomorrow”.
The Democratic-controlled House voted mostly along party lines last month to send the case to the justice department for possible prosecution. (BBC)
