House Speaker Mike Johnson announced plans to release thousands of hours of footage from the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. Fulfilling a promise made during his campaign, Johnson aims to provide transparency and allow the public, criminal defendants, and media to independently interpret the events of that day.
Unprecedented Public Access
In a groundbreaking move, Johnson will make approximately 90 hours of security footage available on a public committee website, with the remaining 44,000 hours expected to be released over the next several months. Previously restricted to media, criminal defendants, and select individuals, the footage offers a detailed account of the violent attack by supporters of then-President Donald Trump on the Capitol complex.
Public Viewing Room
To facilitate public access, a viewing room will be established in the Capitol. Johnson’s decision expands access beyond the limited audience that had appointments to view the footage in recent months.
Fulfilling Pledges to Conservatives
Speaker Johnson’s commitment to releasing the footage aligns with promises made to conservative members of his party, including Representative Matt Gaetz, who played a role in the ousting of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Gaetz and former President Trump, currently facing federal charges related to the January 6 attack, applauded Johnson’s decision.
Trump’s Response
Former President Trump, via his Truth Social platform, congratulated Speaker Johnson for having the “courage and fortitude” to release the footage. The move underscores Johnson’s commitment to transparency, even as concerns are raised about the potential impact on the safety of Capitol staff and members.
Security Measures
Addressing potential security risks, Johnson assured that the committee is processing the footage to blur individuals’ faces and protect them from potential retaliation. However, about 5% of the footage containing sensitive security information related to building architecture will not be publicly released.
Context and Background
The January 6 Capitol attack footage has been a subject of scrutiny, with portions shared by news organizations, documentarians, and even the rioters themselves. The decision by Johnson contrasts with past instances where officials held back surveillance videos from hundreds of security cameras. A similar move by former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who provided exclusive access to the footage to Fox News host Tucker Carlson, faced criticism from Democrats for potential security breaches.
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