At a Glance
- House Administration Subcommittee on Oversight Chairman Barry Loudermilk obtained documentary footage recorded by Alexandra Pelosi on January 6, 2021.
- The footage was produced to the Subcommittee by HBO.
- The J6 Select Committee had this footage but did not release it publicly or archive it.
- The Subcommittee posted the video showing former Speaker Nancy Pelosi stating “I take responsibility” for the security failures of the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Newly Revealed Footage of Nancy Pelosi
Newly released video footage recorded by Alexandra Pelosi on January 6, 2021, shows former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi expressing her regret over the absence of the National Guard prior to the Capitol riots. The footage was obtained by House Administration Subcommittee on Oversight Chairman Barry Loudermilk and produced to the Subcommittee by HBO. It emphasizes Pelosi’s concerns about the lack of adequate preparations and security measures before the insurgency.
This video reveals Pelosi in conversation with her chief of staff, Terri McCullough, questioning the absence of National Guard support. The newly found footage contradicts the public narrative Pelosi had previously maintained regarding her role and response during the January 6th events.
J6 Select Committee and Lack of Public Disclosure
The J6 Select Committee, led by Vice-chair Liz Cheney and Chair Bennie Thompson, had the footage showing Pelosi admitting responsibility but did not release it publicly or archive it. The Subcommittee, chaired by Loudermilk, eventually posted the video, highlighting Pelosi’s statement: “I take responsibility” for the absence of the National Guard. This footage led to criticism towards Pelosi and the Democratic leadership for not taking appropriate measures to ensure the Capitol’s security.
This admission by Pelosi adds to the debate about the operational readiness and the lack of adequate preparation ahead of the January 6th events. Critics argue that Pelosi’s failure to proactively request National Guard support was a significant oversight. The Select Committee’s decision to withhold the video has raised questions about the transparency of Congressional investigations.
Security Preparation Gaps and Response
In the chaotic moments during and after the breach by rioters, several congressional leaders, including Pelosi, coordinated with military officials to obtain National Guard assistance. The video also underscores the miscommunication and confusion about the deployment of the Guard. Despite urgent pleas from Capitol Police, it took over three hours for the National Guard to arrive, revealing the severe gaps in the security response.
According to a 2022 House Republican report, concerns about the optics of deploying National Guard troops seems to have influenced the decision-making process. This consideration came in light of the summer 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, where the heavy presence of National Guard troops was criticized. The delayed response and breakdown in communication has been an ongoing subject of review and investigation.
Pelosi was surprised we didn’t have National Guard on Jan6?? I was denied National Guard support multiple times before January 6, and repeatedly for 71 minutes ON January 6.
MY STORY HASN’T CHANGED!@RepLoudermilk @oversightadmn https://t.co/BIrV49GV6d— Chief Steven Sund (@ChiefSund) June 10, 2024
Republican Reaction and Criticism
Chairman Loudermilk has openly criticized Pelosi for her handling of the events leading up to and on January 6th. He highlighted that Pelosi spent $20 million on the January 6 Select Committee to shift blame onto President Trump, yet the newly released video shows her taking personal responsibility for the security failures.
The footage has reignited the debate about accountability and the narratives surrounding the January 6th events. While Pelosi has claimed that Republicans are engaging in revisionist history, the clip has strengthened the Republican narrative that Pelosi is revising history to shift blame. The video shows that both the House and Senate sergeant at arms, along with the chief of Capitol Police, resigned following the riot, pointing to a larger failure in leadership and preparation.
Top News:J6 Footage Shows Pelosi Expressing Regret Over National Guard Failure: ‘I Take Responsibility’
Pelosi’s failure to preemptively deploy the National Guard was at the center… continue reading at https://t.co/JUHC9CJKBp
More news at https://t.co/uXhxvLKYj4@FDRLST pic.twitter.com/tK9CduKXmi
— CPAC (@CPAC) June 12, 2024
Public and Political Implications
As the footage continues to circulate, it has significant implications for public perception and political accountability. The release of these documents and recordings raises questions about the transparency and integrity of political processes and investigations. With ongoing scrutiny and debate, the American public can expect further revelations and discussions about the security measures and leadership decisions of that pivotal day.
The emerging details from January 6th underscore the essentiality of proactive leadership and comprehensive security strategies to safeguard democratic institutions. As new information comes to light, the need for robust and transparent discourse remains imperative to understand and rectify past failures and prevent future occurrences.
Sources
Nancy Pelosi Contradicts Her Own Narrative of January 6, HBO Footage Shows
New January 6 footage reveals Pelosi’s focus on Trump in hours after insurrection
Unaired footage shows chaos, anger of congressional leaders amid Jan. 6 evacuation
J6 Footage Shows Pelosi Expressing Regret Over National Guard Failure: ‘I Take Responsibility’