The January 6 committee released footage on Wednesday that tied US Representative Barry Loudermilk to the Capitol riots. The Republican lawmaker can be seen giving a tour of the Capitol complex to an unidentified individual, who reportedly breached the building just a day later on January 6.
The surveillance footage provided by the US Capitol Police shows the individual taking photos and videos of stairwells and tunnels — places that usually do not attract visitors.
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The video released by the House Select Committee shows the same unidentified individual on his way to enter the Capitol on January 6. The man is also heard threatening Democrats. These include House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and New York Representatives Jerrold Nadler and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC).
“They’re coming in, coming in like white on rice for Pelosi, Nadler, even you, AOC,” the man says in the video released by the committee. “We’re coming to take you out and pull you out by your hairs. … When I get done with you, you’re going to need a shine on top of that bald head.”
How did US Representative Barry Loudermilk respond?
The panel released the video as it renewed calls for the GOP lawmaker, Georgia Rep. Barry Loudermilk, to speak to the committee about the tour. Loudermilk has so far declined the interview and denied any wrongdoing.
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Why does the video matter?
The video released by the House Select Committee can directly link Representative Loudermilk to the Capitol riots. The footage can also be used to argue that the Capitol riots were planned and coordinated — a claim that has been made multiple times by the House committee.
How did other lawmakers react to the video?
Republican Representative Adam Kinzinger of Illinois tweeted after the video was released: “Please take a look. These are not normal tour routes, the Capitol was closed to tours.”
When asked about her thoughts on the Loudermilk video, AOC said, “I think it has been very clear for a very long time that I work with people who wish me harm.”