Skip to main content
Jul 19, 2022 - Politics & Policy

Jan. 6 committee chair Bennie Thompson tests positive for COVID

headshot
U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Chair of the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol, delivers remarks.

Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) delivers remarks during the Jan. 6 hearing on July 12. Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), the chair of the Jan. 6 select committee, tested positive for COVID-19, his office announced Tuesday.

Driving the news: Thompson's positive COVID test will not impact the schedule of the Jan. 6 prime-time hearing planned for Thursday, the panel said.

  • "While Chairman Thompson is disappointed with his COVID diagnosis, he has instructed the Select Committee to proceed with Thursday evening's hearing," the Jan. 6 committee said in a statement.
  • "Committee members and staff wish the Chairman a speedy recovery."

What he's saying: "I tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday, and I am experiencing mild symptoms," Thompson said in a statement.

  • "Gratefully, I am fully vaccinated and boosted. I am continuing to follow CDC guidelines and will be isolating for the next several days. My office remains fully operational for MS-02 constituents," he said.

Go deeper... Former Trump national security official to testify in-person at Jan. 6 hearing

Go deeper