Former US Vice President Mike Pence has denied charges against Donald Trump for his role in the storming of the Capitol.

"It would be incredibly divisive in a country and at a time when the American people want to see us heal," Pence said in an interview with conservative Fox News on Monday.

"I hope the Department of Justice will give this some thought," Pence said.

At its last public hearing on Monday in Washington, the House of Representatives investigative committee, which has been trying to process the events for a good year and a half, unanimously recommended that the Justice Department initiate criminal proceedings against Trump and others involved.

Whether and when that will happen is unclear, as the committee's recommendation is not binding on the Justice Department.

Pence narrowly escaped the mob

The fact that Pence is now standing before his former boss is remarkable, because the inquiry by the committee of inquiry showed how narrowly Pence escaped the attackers on the Capitol on January 6th.

According to witnesses, only a few meters separated Pence from the mob that had entered the congress building.

"Hang Mike Pence," chanted several of the intruders.

The committee also presented findings that Trump had responded favorably to these threats from his supporters.

The allegations against Trump weigh heavily: the panel accuses him of inciting the crowd to riot.

On January 6, 2021, supporters of the 76-year-old stormed the US Capitol, where the Republican's election defeat by Joe Biden was to be authenticated.

Five people died when the building was violently stormed.

Trump and others involved, such as his former legal adviser John Eastman, are also accused of obstructing a public hearing, conspiring against the US government and making false claims to the state.

Trump criticizes investigation

Trump himself has always defended himself against the accusations and has repeatedly railed against the work of the committee.

He dismisses any allegations as politically motivated.

After Monday's hearing, the former president again attacked the committee, repeating his lie about voter fraud.

"What doesn't kill me makes me stronger," he wrote on Truth Social, a platform he co-founded.

The Justice Department must now determine whether it has enough evidence to take further action against the Republican.

The rare offense of rioting is the most serious: it is committed under US law by instigating or participating in insurrection against the authority of the state or the law.

This is punishable by a fine or imprisonment for up to ten years or both.

If Trump is convicted of sedition, he would no longer be allowed to hold political office.

Committee sees overwhelming evidence

“We interviewed over 1,000 witnesses.

We've interviewed just about everyone you can think of who wanted to comment, so we have a million pieces of evidence," committee chair Bennie Thompson said after Monday's hearing.

It is important that the Justice Department now looks at the information that has been gathered.

"We will present any evidence that we have uncovered to (the Justice Department) and it will ultimately be up to them," he said.

In the course of the investigation, Trump was heavily incriminated by witnesses.

These included former Attorney General William Barr and White House employees.

Cassidy Hutchinson, a former White House employee, was considered a particularly spectacular surprise witness.

In the summer, she accused Trump of having been aware of possible violence on January 6, 2021.

Trump followed the violent riots on television from the Oval Office and did not make a public statement for hours, despite requests from his staff, members of his family and lawyers.

"January 6, 2021 marked the first time that one American president refused his constitutional duty to pass power peacefully to the next," said Committee of Inquiry Vice Chair Liz Cheney.