The Office of Sergeant at Arms in the House of Representatives has been served a grand jury subpoena by the Justice Department, signaling an ongoing investigation. The subpoena, which was formally relayed to House Speaker Mike Johnson by clerk Susan Cole, requires the production of documents. The sergeant at arms, William McFarland, has announced that the office will comply with the subpoena.
The sergeant at arms holds the position of chief law enforcement and protocol officer of the House and is responsible for maintaining order and security in the House side of the U.S. Capitol complex. This role includes assessing threats against members of Congress and coordinating with the U.S. Capitol Police and intelligence agencies.
The subject of the subpoena has not been publicly disclosed by either the Justice Department or the House sergeant at arms. Consequently, there has been speculation online, without evidence, that it could be related to the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. However, according to a new report by Punchbowl News, the investigation may be focused on an unnamed House Democrat who is alleged to have misused government funds allocated for personal security.
The Justice Department has declined to comment on the matter when contacted by Digital. The investigation into the alleged misuse of government funds is said to be ongoing.
This is not the first time a subpoena announcement has been made on the House floor. Last November, Rep. Nancy Pelosi notified Congress that she had been served with third-party subpoenas in a criminal case. Pelosi stated that she would comply with the subpoenas.
It is important to note that the House sergeant at arms, William McFarland, assumed the role following the resignation of Paul Irving, who served for nine years before stepping down the day after the Jan. 6, 2021, riot.
The investigation and the grand jury subpoena serve as a reminder of the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the events of Jan. 6 and the subsequent fallout. As more information becomes available, the public will gain a clearer understanding of the nature and scope of the investigation.
For more political news and updates from the 2024 campaign trail, follow Digital reporter Danielle Wallace on Twitter: @danimwallace.
