Government Accountability Office to Begin Investigation Demanded by Congressman Crow into January 6th Capitol Attack

WASHINGTON - Today, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) announced it would begin an investigation into the January 6th Capitol Attack following a bicameral effort led by Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06) and over 110 of his colleagues to GAO demanding a comprehensive and independent investigation into the Capitol attack. The Crow-led effort represents the largest Member-driven effort to investigate the domestic terrorist attacks on the U.S. Capitol to date.

"The January 6th attacks on our Capitol were a catastrophic security failure," said Congressman Jason Crow."We've been forced to confront difficult truths about the failures of security and lack of preparation. This comprehensive and independent investigation will allow us to gather the facts and make necessary changes to ensure it never happens again. Unity and healing require truth and accountability."

The GAO investigation will be led by their Homeland Security and Justice Division and focus primarily on the extent of coordination between federal and local entities for security and emergency support. In the coming days, GAO will be working with congressional staff to define the full scope of the investigation to ensure that it addresses Congress's concerns.

The Comptroller General of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) works in a non-partisan and non-ideological manner with congressional clients and external parties. GAO supports the Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities and in helping to improve the performance and ensure the accountability of the federal government for the benefit of the American people. The agency carries out audit, evaluative, and investigative assignments and provides legal analyses to the Congress. GAO performs work at the request of the Congress and under the Comptroller General's authority.

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