Former GOP congressman Kinzinger, who served on Jan. 6 panel, to speak at Erie Law Day

Ed Palattella, Erie Times-News
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Republican Adam Kinzinger split from his own party over its handling of then-President Donald Trump and the storming of the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Kinzinger will share his experiences in Erie this spring.

Former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois will be the keynote speaker at the Erie County Bar Association's annual Law Day luncheon on May 9, 2023. Kinzinger was one of 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach then-President Donald Trump over his role in the storming of the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2020. Kinzinger also was one of only two Republicans on the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 riots.

The former congressman from Illinois is the keynote speaker at the Erie County Bar Association's annual Law Day Luncheon at noon May 9 at the Bayfront Convention Center.

Who is former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger?

Kinzinger was one of 10 Republicans who voted to impeach fellow Republican Trump on Jan. 13, 2021, on a charge of "incitement of insurrection." Kinzinger was also one of only two Republicans who served on the special House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 riots.

The committee met for 18 months and unanimously voted on Dec. 19 to recommend the Department of Justice charge Trump with four crimes, including aiding an insurrection.

Panel's findings:Jan. 6 hearing recap: House committee recommends DOJ prosecute Trump over Capitol attack

"Representative Kinzinger was at the center of one of the biggest news stories in 2022 when he demonstrated loyalty to country over political party," said the president of the Erie County Bar Association, Tim George. "This fits the 2023 Law Day theme of 'Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility and Collaboration.' We look forward to this year's event."

Kinzinger, 44, a native of Kankakee, about an hour southwest of Chicago, served in the House from 2011 to 2022, when he declined to run for reelection. When he left office he represented Illinois' 16th Congressional District, which spans 21 counties in central and northwestern Illinois. Kinzinger started working as a political commentator for CNN in January.

Repercussions:Rep. Adam Kinzinger posts audio of 'foul and graphic' threats to congressional office

Kinzinger was in the Air Force before he was elected to Congress. He served in the Iraq War and Afghanistan War, and continues to serve in the Air National Guard as a pilot with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

What is the Erie County Bar Association's Law Day event?

Congress in 1961 designated May 1 as the date marking Law Day as "a national day set aside to celebrate the rule of law," according to the American Bar Association. The Erie County Bar Association, made up of judges and lawyers, holds its annual luncheon on or near that date.

The American Bar Association came up with the idea for Law Day and sets the theme each year. The Erie County Bar Association typically brings in national figures to give the keynote address for Law Day.

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The Erie County Bar Association also gives out awards to honor lawyers and others in the community at the Law Day luncheons. They include Chancellor of the Bar, for a lawyer, and the Liberty Bell Award, for a non-lawyer.

Who can attend the Law Day luncheon?

The event is open to the public. The cost is $50 per person. Reservation are due by May 1 and can be made online: eriebar.com/events/ecba-events/1752-law-day-2022.

The event is scheduled to run from noon to 2 p.m. on May 9.

Contact Ed Palattella at epalattella@timesnews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ETNpalattella.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Former GOP Rep. Kinzinger, a Jan. 6 panelist, to speak at Erie Law Day