House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has provided Fox News’ Tucker Carlson with exclusive access to Capitol surveillance footage from Jan. 6.
Last month, McCarthy told reporters that he was in favor of making more footage from Jan. 6 public since the Democrats have largely politicized the investigation.
“I’ve watched what Nancy Pelosi did, where she politicized [Jan. 6],” said McCarthy. “Where for the first time in the history as a speaker, not allowing the minority to appoint to a committee.”
“We watched the politicization of this,” McCarthy said. “I think the American public should actually see all that happened instead of a report that’s written for a political basis.”
Carlson, who has continuously called for a probe into the real events of Jan 6., has been granted exclusive access to 41,000 hours of surveillance footage from the Capitol protests.
“[T]here was never any legitimate reason for this footage to remain secret,” Carlson told Axios reporter Mike Allen. “If there was ever a question that’s in the public’s interest to know, it’s what actually happened on January 6. By definition, this video will reveal it. It’s impossible for me to understand why any honest person would be bothered by that.”
In January, Carlson slammed the U.S. government for hiding information from the American public. He also pointed out the ridiculous logic of those who warn that the release of the Jan. 6 Capitol footage could threaten national security.
Carlson also insisted that by releasing Jan. 6 footage, the public will be able to see the full extent of the events for themselves.
“Our government has been using the information blackout it claims is necessary for national security to do what they usually do under the cover of classification law, and that is lie to us,” Carlson said.
In response to the footage being released to Carlson, Donald Trump Jr. tweeted,
“Awesome! Incidentally, when I did my Triggered podcast interview with [Speaker McCarthy] he had mentioned, as we chatted afterwards, that he was trying to get all the footage to make sure it got out. This has been in the works, but great it’s happening!”
Awesome! Incidentally, when I did my Triggered podcast interview with @SpeakerMcCarthy he had mentioned, as we chatted afterwards, that he was trying to get all the footage to make sure it got out. This has been in the works, but great that it’s happening! https://t.co/w1sPyJaHph
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) February 20, 2023
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene also cheered on the release of the surveillance footage, tweeting,
“For all of you that doubted we would release the tapes. Here you go! I’m very happy to be right again in my support for Kevin McCarthy as our Speaker. Americans deserve to see the truth, not a one sided narrative and unfair two tiered justice system.”
For all of you that doubted we would release the tapes.
Here you go!
I’m very happy to be right again in my support for Kevin McCarthy as our Speaker.
Americans deserve to see the truth, not a one sided narrative and unfair two tiered justice system.https://t.co/EkVvbTwxcP
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) February 20, 2023
As Carlson’s team goes through the extensive footage, they reportedly plan to release select clips over the next few weeks.