January 6, 2026

The newly established Republican-led committee focusing on the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot has scheduled its inaugural hearing for next week, disclosed Rep. Barry Loudermilk on Tuesday, marking the five-year anniversary of the violent event. As the chair of the select subcommittee, the Georgia Republican explained that the session aims to delve into the circumstances surrounding the pipe bombs discovered at the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters just a day before the Capitol unrest.
Loudermilk pointed out that the primary subject of the upcoming hearing will be a reevaluation of the FBI's initial investigation into the pipe bombs, questioning the lengthy duration it took to conduct the inquiry. “It’s gonna be sometime next week,” he stated. “We’re gonna be really looking at the pipe bomb and the FBI’s previous investigation. Why did it take five years?”
This hearing represents a strategic shift by Republicans to reframe the narrative of the Capitol attack, focusing on security oversights rather than the efforts by former President Donald Trump and his allies to overturn the 2020 election results. This adjustment coincides with a broader Republican initiative to present an alternate recounting of the events that unfolded, challenging the dominant narrative held by many.
In a provocative move, the White House released a website providing a controversial account of the day's events, which places blame on then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi and robustly refutes Trump’s involvement in inciting the violence. This version of events has intensified the partisan dispute, particularly concerning how the day should be commemorated.
A contentious point between Democrats and Republicans has been the installation of a commemorative plaque at the Capitol, intended to honor the law enforcement officers who defended the building during the attack. Speaker Mike Johnson has declared the project as impractical, sparking further debate. Contrary to some in his party, Loudermilk expressed support for the memorial. “I don’t have a problem putting it up. I think you need to honor the police,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the officers' efforts.
As the committee prepares for its first hearing, the focus on the pipe bombs and the scrutiny of the FBI's handling of the situation suggest a critical examination of the security failures that may have contributed to the chaos of January 6. This approach by the GOP-led panel is set to add a new layer to the ongoing discussion about one of the most tumultuous days in recent American history.