January 6 Committee Releases Footage Of Rioter On Tour Of Capitol Before Attack Taking Suspicious Photographs

Topline

The committee investigating the January 6 attack released a video Wednesday in which a man outside the Capitol building on that day made threats against Democratic lawmakers, as well as surveillance footage of a tour Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.) led of the Capitol the day before that the committee said shows that man and others taking photos of things “not typically of interest to tourists,” like hallways, staircases and security checkpoints, contradicting the Capitol Police’s claim there was nothing “suspicious” about the tour.

Key Facts

The video features a man making threats against Democratic lawmakers such as now-Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler and Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York.

The man filmed a companion carrying a flagpole with a sharpened end who says, “it’s for a specific person.”

In a letter, the committee called on Loudermilk to meet with them to discuss the video evidence on the tour, which it said shows 10 people, some of whom took photos that the committee believes were for reconnaissance.

The footage was released one day after Capitol Police determined the tour was not “suspicious.”

Key Background

Last month, the January 6 committee said Loudermilk’s tour was under investigation after allegations that rioters made “reconnaissance” visits to the Capitol ahead of the attack.

Key Quote

“They got it surrounded. It’s all the way up there on the hill, and it’s all the way around, and they’re coming in, coming in like white on rice for Pelosi, Nadler, even you, AOC,” one man threatens in the video. “We’re coming to take you out and pull you out by your hairs.”

What To Watch For

A committee hearing scheduled for Wednesday was postponed to Thursday due to “technical issues.” Report the details…

Further Reading

Loudermilk tour group taking basement photos ‘raises concerns’ for Jan. 6 panel (Politico)

Capitol Police: Nothing ‘Suspicious’ About Republican-Led Tour Day Before Jan. 6 (Forbes)

January 6 Committee Says GOP Rep. Gave Capitol Tours Day Before Riot, Contradicting Denials (Forbes)