Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS) has tested positive for COVID-19, his office announced Tuesday.
Thompson, the chairman of the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, will isolate for the “next several days,” meaning he will not be present in person for the committee’s prime-time hearing on Thursday at 8 p.m. EDT.
SECRET SERVICE COMING UP ON DEADLINE TO TURN OVER ELUSIVE JAN. 6 TEXTS
“While Chairman Thompson is disappointed with his COVID diagnosis, he has instructed the Select Committee to proceed with Thursday evening’s hearing. Committee members and staff wish the Chairman a speedy recovery,” select committee spokesperson Tim Mulvey told the Washington Examiner.
I tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday, and I am experiencing mild symptoms. Gratefully, I am fully vaccinated and boosted.
I encourage each person in America to get vaccinated and continue to follow the guidelines to remain safe. pic.twitter.com/brHXGlWmfq
— Bennie G. Thompson (@BennieGThompson) July 19, 2022
Thompson’s office did not specify whether he will participate virtually in the hearing. The congressman is fully vaccinated and boosted and is “experiencing mild symptoms.”
“My office remains fully operational for MS-02 constituents. I strongly encourage each person in America to get vaccinated and continue to follow the guidelines to remain safe,” he said in a statement.
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Thursday’s hearing is expected to focus on then-President Donald Trump’s 187 minutes of inaction as the Jan. 6 riot unfolded at the Capitol.
Two officials who worked in the Trump administration — Matthew Pottinger, the deputy national security adviser, and Sarah Matthews, the deputy press secretary — are expected to testify before the committee.
