Four former Capitol Police officers who sat in the row behind Smith at the hearing frequently became animated when lawmakers referred to them.
The four, who were protecting Capitol Hill on 6 January, have been vocal about their frustration of how that day has been described by Trump and Republicans in recent years.
Many Republican lawmakers – some who initially condemned the attack – now say Trump did not incite rioters and demonstrators did not commit wrongdoing.
During the hearing, Texas Republican Troy Nehls specifically addressed the officers and said blame for the riot laid with the US Capitol Police, not with Trump.
“You were all unprepared to deal with that day and that’s because your leadership failed to share the intelligence with you,” Nehls said. “It was their fault, it was not President Trump.”
That comment led to one of the many times in the hearing when members of the audience shouted at lawmakers.
Smith was also asked about Trump’s mass pardon on his first day back at the White House of more than 1,000 people convicted or accused of crimes related to the riot. Many had been charged with assaulting or interfering with law enforcement.
The former special counsel said he could not understand why Trump pardoned them, and that “all of us, if we’re reasonable, know that there’s going to be more crimes committed by these people in the future”.
“I do not understand why you would mass pardon people who assaulted police officers,” he said. “I don’t get it. I never will.”
After his testimony wrapped, Smith shook all four former officers‘ hands.
