(LibertySons.org) – While campaigning for the House Speaker position recently, Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) promised Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and members of the Freedom Caucus that he would release video footage of the January 6 attack to the media and the public. The issue was a sore point between Gaetz and former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). On Friday, November 17, Johnson announced he would coordinate the release of more than 44,000 hours of the Capitol riot footage in portions beginning that day with the first 90-hour portion.
Johnson is releasing the footage in batches on the House Administration Committee’s (CHA’s) Reading Room subcommittee website. Previously, the CHA administered a public viewing room since September 1, 2023, where media outlets, J6 defendants and their legal counsel, and the general public could review footage by appointment on a first-come, first-served basis.
Speaker Johnson stated the decision to release video footage to the public subcommittee website would provide criminal defendants, media representatives, public interest groups like government watchdog organizations, and millions of Americans the ability to see and interpret for themselves the events of January 5 and 6, 2021. As he wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter, “Truth and transparency are critical.” He argued that the release ensures Americans won’t have to “rely upon the interpretation of a small group of government officials” any longer.
Johnson thanked Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) for his team’s work processing and uploading videos to his subcommittee’s website. Republicans committed to blurring private citizens’ faces to prevent targeting or retaliation against individuals. Additionally, up to 5% of the videos could involve sensitive security information relating to building architecture, and Loudermilk’s team would need to redact those or hold footage in reserve.
Matt Gaetz posted his appreciation on X, formerly Twitter. He said he might not always agree with Johnson, but “HE WON’T LIE.” He went on to thank him for being a man of his word regarding the J6 tapes. While Gaetz didn’t name anyone as a comparison, his history with McCarthy leaves little doubt whether he thinks the former Speaker became a fully integrated swamp denizen.
~Here’s to Our Liberty!
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