Speaker Mike Johnson has taken a step towards transparency by releasing all of the January 6th surveillance tapes. These tapes are now available for public viewing online in the CHA Subcommittee Reading Room.
This decision signifies a move away from previous leadership under former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, where efforts to release the tapes had stalled.
The public had been demanding to see more footage of the Capitol breach. Some of the released footage shows protesters walking calmly through the halls of Congress.
Speaker Mike Johnson released a significant amount of surveillance footage from inside the Capitol captured on that eventful day. The footage provides a variety of scenes as demonstrators broke in and moved through the premises.
In certain clips, there are instances where rioters are seen strolling casually through the Capitol once inside. In some parts, they walk past police officers and other security staff, which raises concerns about law enforcement’s response.
Even a number of elected officials can be seen moving through the halls, escorted by armed guards without a great deal of urgency. Some conservative voices are using these scenes to argue that January 6 was not an insurrection but rather a peaceful protest misrepresented by others.
While some might feel the footage supports their view, there is more footage available that shows the chaos and violence that actually occurred on that day.
Numerous videos depict rioters clashing with police outside the Capitol, using batons and spraying mace. It is also acknowledged that Capitol Police officers lost their lives during the conflict, and protester Ashli Babbit was shot and killed inside the building, contradicting any notion of a peaceful gathering.
Interestingly, the decision to release the tapes came from Rep. Johnson, who is known to be supportive of Donald Trump. This action stands in contrast to previous Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who faced pressure to release the tapes but ultimately did not do so before he was replaced.
Johnson explained that he wanted to release the footage to allow the American people to judge for themselves. However, it seems many individuals already have firm opinions on this matter, and changing views may be unlikely.
