House GOP Open to Granting Jan. 6 Defendants Access to Capitol Footage

Defendants awaiting trial on charges related to the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol unrest will be granted access to security footage from the day of the attack — if House Republicans reportedly get their way.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., recently allowed Fox News to view segments of 41,000 hours of surveillance footage, which are expected to air on Tucker Carlson's show in the coming weeks.

Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Ga., said McCarthy has given the green light on releasing the footage to defendants and their attorneys on a case-by-case basis.

"It is our intention to make available any relevant videos and documents on a case-by-case basis as requested by attorney’s representing defendants," said Loudermilk, Axios reported Tuesday.

Loudermilk chairs the oversight subcommittee for the House Committee on Administration.

"Everyone accused of a crime in this country deserves due process, which includes access to evidence which may be used to prove their guilt or innocence," Loudermilk said.

Politico, citing a Republican congressional aide, reported Tuesday that House Republicans are working on a system that will allow members of the media and public to access some Jan. 6 records, as well.

Also, Politico reports Republicans are still debating whether any footage given to Jan. 6 defendants and their attorneys can be used as evidence at trial, which would then make it available to the public.

• McCarthy Defends Decision to Release Jan. 6 Footage to Tucker Carlson
• Schumer Irked After Tucker Carlson Accesses Jan. 6 Tapes