WASHINGTON (AP) — Newly released video captures the tense confrontation between two Republican members of Congress and Capitol rioters attempting to breach the main door into the chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives during the January 6th attack. The footage, recorded by rioter Damon Beckley, sheds light on the chaos and fear that unfolded as rioters faced off with guns pointed at them through broken glass.
The 8-minute video, released ahead of Beckley’s sentencing, shows Reps. Troy Nehls (R-Texas) and Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) speaking with the rioters through the shattered glass. Nehls is heard expressing his disappointment, telling the crowd, “You ought to be ashamed of yourself!” In response, one rioter defiantly claims, “We’re coming in one way or another!” Nehls, a former law enforcement officer, reflects on his 30 years of experience, stating, “I’ve never had people act this way. I’m ashamed.”
The video, requested by NBC News, was shared by a media coalition following a rescheduling of Beckley’s sentencing. Federal prosecutors are seeking over three years in federal prison for him. The footage offers a firsthand glimpse into the violent events that unfolded on January 6th, as rioters forcefully tried to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.
Since the attack, Nehls has shifted his perspective, decrying the death of Ashli Babbitt, the rioter who was shot by a Capitol Police officer as she attempted to breach the House floor. Nehls called it “murder” and revealed that he chose not to support the actions of the rioters, even after being urged to do so because of his Texas roots.
In the video, some rioters can be heard making threats and expressing their anger over the election results. One individual claims, “there’s going to be a bigger Civil War and a lot of bloodshed” if the election was not overturned. Another angrily states, “I… stood in the cold for three and a half hours to find out that Mike Pence is a f—— traitor, man… And I voted for that f—— dude.”
The video serves as a stark reminder of the deep divisions and anger that sparked the assault on the U.S. Capitol. The footage exemplifies the determination of the rioters and the risks faced by lawmakers on that fateful day.
In conclusion, the release of the video taken by the Capitol rioter provides new evidence highlighting the moments of confrontation between Republican lawmakers and the individuals involved in the insurrection. The footage underscores the tension and fear experienced by both sides as they faced off, with guns pointed through broken glass. The video stands as a reminder of the violent and chaotic events that unfolded on January 6th, underscoring the challenges faced by law enforcement and lawmakers as they sought to protect the integrity of the democratic process.