“Trump Cowered in the White House for 87 Minutes”: Speaker Johnson Promises to Release Jan 6 Footage

Gabriel RomanNov 22, 2023

Minute Read

House Speaker Mike Johnson recently announced he plans to release extensive footage from the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. This marks a significant turn in the ongoing discourse surrounding the event. Johnson’s move aligns with his prior commitments to far-right party members and opens a new chapter for public access and interpretation of that day’s events.

Johnson’s Commitment to Transparency

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In a groundbreaking move, House Speaker Mike Johnson is set to release over 44,000 hours of footage from the January 6 Capitol attack. This decision aligns with his campaign promises. He claims the footage will provide an unfiltered view of the events, contrasting with the limited perspectives offered by government officials.

Initial Release of Security Footage

Speaker Mike Johnson’s initiative to release the first batch of security footage, about 90 hours, on a public website is a strategic move. This phased-release strategy ensures a systematic unveiling of the events of January 6. It also reflects Johnson’s dedication to making this crucial information accessible to the public. This initial release is part of a larger collection.

Restricted Access Previously in Place

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Until this momentous decision, access to the Capitol attack footage was highly controlled. The GOP-led House Administration Committee had restricted viewing to select groups, including the media and defendants, by appointment. This limited accessibility offered only a glimpse of the day’s turmoil, keeping most of the public in the dark about the full extent of the events.

Fulfilling Pledges to Conservative Party Members

In releasing the footage, Speaker Johnson honors a critical commitment made to the conservative members of his party. Prominent Republicans, including Rep. Matt Gaetz and former President Trump, have praised this move. It indicates a significant shift in the Republican approach to handling information about the January 6 events.

Trump’s Approval of the Footage Release

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During his re-election campaign and facing federal charges, former President Donald Trump expressed his support for Johnson’s decision on Truth Social. His endorsement underscores his continued sway in Republican circles. It also shows his role in shaping the narrative around the Capitol attack, reflecting the political weight of his opinions.

Potential Risks of Public Access

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Many people have praised the release of the January 6 footage to the public as a step towards transparency. However, it does raise significant safety concerns. The detailed depiction of the Capitol assault and the vulnerability of entry points could pose a security threat, especially if misused. It could potentially endanger the lives of Capitol staff and officials.

Protective Measures for Privacy and Security

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Johnson has assured protective measures to prevent potential risks associated with the release. The committee plans to blur faces in the footage to prevent retaliatory actions against individuals. Also, approximately 5% of the footage involving sensitive security information will be withheld from public release, ensuring critical security details remain confidential.

Widespread Circulation of Select Footage Before Release

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Before this comprehensive release, certain images and videos from the Capitol attack had already made their way into the mainstream. This was via news outlets and documentaries. However, a substantial portion of the surveillance footage, which could provide a more complete picture of the events, remained under wraps until now.

Exclusive Access Granted to Tucker Carlson

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The decision by then-Speaker McCarthy to grant Tucker Carlson special access to the Capitol footage sparked considerable controversy. Critics argued that this move, favoring a partisan media figure, could have far-reaching security implications. They have also argued that it displays a concerning level of bias.

Carlson’s Narrative on the Siege

Fox News host Tucker Carlson took advantage of his exclusive access to the footage by presenting it in a manner that painted the Capitol siege in a light sympathetic to Trump. Airing on his prime-time show, this portrayal aimed to alter the public’s perception of the events. It challenged the global narrative of the violent incident.

GOP’s Effort to Redefine Jan. 6 Narrative

The Republican Party has been actively attempting to reshape the public narrative about the January 6 attack, especially following the House Jan. 6 committee’s findings. This effort is at odds with the committee’s detailed documentation and presentation of Trump’s involvement. To some, Trump helped to incite the violence on that day.

The House Jan. 6 Committee’s Final Report

The House Jan. 6 committee, after extensive investigation, concluded in their final report that Trump participated in a criminal conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election results. This report is now in the hands of the Justice Department. It represents a crucial point in understanding the full extent and implications of the Capitol attack.

Trump’s Indictment and Charges

In a significant legal development, former President Trump was indicted on four felony counts relating to his involvement in the Capitol attack. This indictment by the Justice Department highlights the grave nature of Trump’s actions. It also demonstrates their impact on the foundations of American democracy.

Public Skepticism and Criticism

Some people remain skeptical about the release of new footage. One user said, “That’s fine, Mr. Johnson, but we’ve already seen enough.” This skepticism is shared by others. They doubt that additional footage will substantially change the public’s understanding of the events. They believe that the major aspects of the incident have already been comprehensively covered.

Calls for Complete Transparency

In the pursuit of full transparency, there are calls for the footage to include every crucial moment, especially those involving former President Trump. One user stated, “I hope the footage will not edit out the part where Trump did tell those insurrectionists to cease and desist.” This expectation shows the desire for a complete and unedited depiction of events.

Eyewitness Accounts and Media Coverage

The impact of live media coverage during the Capitol attack remains strong in the public memory. One viewer shared, “I watched it live on TV. I don’t watch Fox. I saw the rebels break windows and enter. I watched them beating people. I watched the mayhem and thought OH wow, we are having a coup in the USA.”

Criticism of Trump’s Inaction

There is also criticism about Trump’s perceived inaction during the Capitol attack. One user said, “So? We already know what happened. Trump’s thugs stormed the Capitol, and he cowered back in the White House for about 87 minutes and did nothing.” This view reflects a broader frustration with Trump’s response, or lack thereof, as his supporters violently breached the Capitol.

Trump’s Controversial Legacy

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Trump’s actions and rhetoric continue to stir controversy and concern. One user said, “It’s obvious to Americans the only one who has damaged and continues to improperly apply the constitution is Donald Trump. With each outrageous act from Trump, it seems to be forgotten as we await the next one. As the seriousness of his actions becomes self-evident, he gets even more unhinged. This should scare the hell out of all of us.”