House Releasing Capitol Footage From Jan. 6, Speaker Johnson Announces

The GOP-led House has initiated the release of over 40,000 hours of video footage from the events of Jan. 6, 2021, when protesters took to the U.S. Capitol to express their concerns about the 2020 election results.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), who recently assumed the position on Oct. 25, announced this historic release, emphasizing the importance of truth and transparency.

“This decision will provide millions of Americans, criminal defendants, public interest organizations, and the media an ability to see for themselves what happened that day, rather than having to rely upon the interpretation of a small group of government officials,” he stated.

The video footage, captured by Capitol Hill security, will be made accessible to the public through a dedicated website. While some video content is already available, the bulk of it will be released gradually over time, according to Johnson, who reaffirmed his commitment to a promise made during his run for Speaker.

In a post on X that includes the link to videos already posted on a House Administration Committee webpage, the newly-appointed Speaker wrote, “To restore America’s trust and faith in their Government, we must have transparency. This is another step towards keeping the promises I made when I was elected to be your Speaker.”

Follow the link below to view the January 6th tapes for yourself.

To restore America’s trust and faith in their Government we must have transparency. This is another step towards keeping the promises I made when I was elected to be your Speaker.

This website will be updated…

— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) November 17, 2023

This move has garnered support from several Republican lawmakers who have long advocated for the release of this security footage. They argue that such transparency will offer a different perspective from the mainstream narrative that primarily focused on the violence of Jan. 6.

Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) had previously made clips from that day available to select individuals, including the media, legal defendants, and certain groups. However, there has been persistent pressure within the House GOP Conference to make the full collection of footage available to the public.

Representative Chip Roy (R-TX) praised Johnson’s actions, stating, “Doing what he said he would do. Good.”

Doing what he said he would do. Good. https://t.co/zToJ1pJ9fn

— Chip Roy (@chiproytx) November 17, 2023

Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY) also expressed her appreciation, saying, “Sunshine is the best disinfectant. It’s past time for the public to have information on what happened on January 6th. I thank the Speaker for his efforts.”

Sunshine is the best disinfectant. It’s past time for the public to have information on what happened on January 6th. I thank the Speaker for his efforts. https://t.co/2FiquBVD5B

— Rep. Harriet Hageman (@RepHageman) November 17, 2023