Ex-Trump aide Steve Bannon surrenders to FBI after indictment

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - Steve Bannon, a top aide to former President Donald Trump, turned himself in to the FBI on Monday after he was indicted by a federal grand jury last week on congressional contempt charges.

Bannon, who served as Trump's chief strategist and senior counselor, surrendered to federal officers at the FBI's Washington, D.C. field office, according to media footage captured on the scene.

He appeared defiant as he prepared to surrender, saying "we're taking down the Biden regime" as he headed in to the field office.

"This is all noise," he added while addressing reporters.

Bannon, 67, was charged last week with one count of contempt for failing to appear for a congressional deposition, and another contempt count for refusing to hand over documents requested by the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the US Capitol. The committee is in the process of investigating the riot and its origins.

The committee voted on Oct. 21 to hold Bannon in contempt for his failure to cooperate. He is one of several former Trump officials who have resisted the committee's subpoenas.

The former president has pressed his allies not to cooperate.

Each of the contempt counts Bannon faces carries a minimum of 30 days in jail if convicted, with a maximum penalty of one year behind bars, and a fine between $100 to $1,000.