Why it matters: The letters signal an escalation in committee members’ efforts to obtain information from their Republican counterparts, doubling the total number of members the committee is looking for.

The first three lawmakers to interrogate were House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Parliamentary Freedom Group Chairman Scott Perry and House Justice Committee member Jim Jordan. All three refused to appear before the committee voluntarily. Spokeswoman Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Chair of the committee, told Axios last week that summonses were still being considered.

News guidance: The letter to Jackson, a close ally of former President Trump, who once served as his personal physician and medical adviser, includes texts among members of the far-right Oath Keepers, one of the groups involved in the attack.

In the texts, which date back to the afternoon of January 6, unknown members of the group wrote that Jackson “needs [Oath Keeper] help “and” needs protection “because it has” critical data for protection “. “Help with what?” Stewart Rhodes, the team leader, sent a message. “Give him my cell.” “Why are these people interested in your particular location? Why do they think ‘you have critical data to protect?’ Why direct their members to protect your personal safety?” Thompson writes to Jackson.

Go deeper: The other letters cite recent revelations about members’ involvement on January 6 – which came either from testimonies of other witnesses or from public comments by members themselves. What they say: “We urge our colleagues to join the hundreds of people who have shared information with the Selection Committee,” said Thompson and MP Liz Cheney (R-Wyo), the committee’s vice-chair. The other side: “I will not take part in the ruthless crusade of the illegal commission against President Trump and his allies,” Jackson told Axios.

“I do not know, nor did I have contact with those who exchanged text messages about me on January 6,” he added.

What follows: More requests to members could be in the works if Thompson’s public comments are an indication.

He told the Capitol last week that this tranche of demands would cover more than three lawmakers and include senators. A committee representative declined to comment on the file.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with a statement from spokesperson Ronny Jackson.