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In the hour before the first hearing, digital anchor Nicole Ellis will host a series of conversations that review a timeline of the Jan. 6 attack, what we’ve learned since then, fallout from the attack and ramifications for democracy as the country approaches the midterm elections, and key things to watch from the first night of hearings.

Who is testifying?

The committee, which has been keeping details and scope of the hearings close to the chest, have only released a shortlist of who is expected to testify at the first hearing. They are: 

• Caroline Edwards – A U.S. Capitol Police officer injured during the Jan. 6 attack. She suffered a brain injury during the insurrection.
• Nick Quested – A documentary filmmaker who, along with his crew, captured the first violent moments by the insurrectionists against U.S. Capitol Police officers.

• Chairman Bennie Thompson of Mississippi
• Six other Democrats: Pete Aguilar, Calif.; Zoe Lofgren, Calif.; Elaine Luria, Va.; Stephanie Murphy, Fla.; Jamie Raskin, Md.; Adam Schiff, Calif.
• Two Republicans: Liz Cheney, Wyo., and Adam Kinzinger, Ill. 

The committee was created by the House itself in House Resolution, or H. Res. 503, which passed 222-190 last June.

What is the committee trying to do with these hearings?

These will not be typical congressional hearings. In most hearings, expert witnesses are asked questions by both parties, and lawmakers are trying to craft legislation. In this case, all of the committee members share the same point of view: The Jan. 6 attack was an insurrection and was likely fueled by political rhetoric and officials, including Trump.

Committee aides said members will reveal new details that show Jan. 6 was "the result of a coordinated, multistep effort to overturn the results of the 2020 election and stop the transfer of power from Donald Trump to Joe Biden. And indeed, former President Donald Trump was at the center of that effort.”

What will we see in the hearings themselves?

Perhaps the biggest difference for viewers will be the style of the hearings. We expect something tailor made for a broad television audience. That means extensive video clips from Jan. 6, and from some of the more powerful interviews witnesses gave to the committee behind closed doors.

The chair and vice chair will deliver opening statements, committee aides said, adding that Thursday’s hearing will include a “small, but meaningful portion” from the roughly 1,000 interviews conducted throughout the probe. It’s expected to include snippets from Trump administration and campaign officials, as well as Trump family members.

What does the committee want to achieve?

Two things. First, to convey the gravity of the Jan. 6 attack. The committee, in particular, will raise questions about the level of involvement by some Republican lawmakers, including Trump.

The second goal of these hearings is to lay the possible groundwork for criminal cases. All criminal decisions will be up to the Department of Justice, but the committee aims to build up the evidence for further charges in some cases.

More Jan. 6 coverage: 

• Watch: What could be expected in the upcoming Jan. 6 committee hearings.
• One Big Question: More than a year after the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, will the hearings break through with the public?
• Who’s Been Charged? Some 800 people have been charged in the Capitol attack. The Associated Press takes a look at who’s been held accountable so far.
• Something to Note: Public hearings differ from investigations. Here’s why the Jan. 6 committee is taking a “just-the-facts” approach.
• Perspectives: It’s not yet clear on what’s new or different about the committee findings on the Jan. 6 attack. Tamara Keith and Amy Walter weigh in on what they’re looking out for during the hearings. 

This newsletter was compiled by the NewsHour’s Lisa Desjardins and Joshua Barajas.