Jan. 6 committee releases security footage from Jan. 5 capitol tour given by Loudermilk staff

The committee said that individuals took photos and videos of areas "not typically of interest to tourists"

Published: June 15, 2022 11:18am

Updated: June 15, 2022 1:48pm

The Jan. 6 committee on Wednesday released video footage of a Capitol Complex tour the day before Jan. 6 riot given by the staff of GOP Rep. Barry Loudermilk – two days after the U.S. Capitol Police said there was nothing "suspicious" about the tour. 

The Democrat-led committee released the video and several screen shots on its official Twitter account and also sent the content to Loudermilk's Capitol Hill office.

On Monday, Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger issued a letter stating, "We train our officers on being alert for people conducting surveillance or reconnaissance, and we do not consider any of the activities we observed as suspicious."

The letter also states there is no evidence Loudermilk entered the Capitol Building with the constituent tour, though he appeared with the tour on camera for a few minutes, according to capitol police. Loudermilk then exited the Capitol as the group continued their tour accompanied by his staff. 

The committee originally claimed, "Individuals on the tour photographed and recorded areas of the complex not typically of interest to tourists, including hallways, staircases and security checkpoints."

The committee alleges a person seen in a video of the Jan. 5 tour was the next day among the many President Trump supporters who marched to the Capitol

Th same person says in one of the Jan. 6 video clips released by the committee, "​​There’s no escape Pelosi, Schumer, Nadler. We’re coming for you," while on his way to the Capitol. 

“The behavior of these individuals during the January 5, 2021 tour raises concerns about their activity and intent while inside the Capitol complex,” said Democrat Rep. Bennie Thompson, the committee chairman. 

Loudermilk's Capitol Hill's office did not immediately return a request Wednesday for comment.

After learning about a committee subpoena to him related to the tour, Loudermilk recently told Just the News, "They're trying to push a narrative, and I believe the truth ought to be known. So we pushed back and we said, 'Let's get the truth out there.' "

The Facts Inside Our Reporter's Notebook

Links

Unlock unlimited access

  • No Ads Within Stories
  • No Autoplay Videos
  • VIP access to exclusive Just the News newsmaker events hosted by John Solomon and his team.
  • Support the investigative reporting and honest news presentation you've come to enjoy from Just the News.
  • Just the News Spotlight

    Support Just the News