Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has decided to share thousands of hours of security footage from Jan. 6, 2021, with Fox News host Tucker Carlson. Following the announcement of this decision, Democrats have been criticizing the decision noting that there are many security risks surrounding the irresponsible use of this footage, with a person who has actively downplayed the events of Jan. 6, and an organization that is currently facing legal battles relating to their false claims of a stolen election.
Democratic leaders have now issued a warning regarding the release of the footage to Carlson. As they note this footage could provide others with information regarding the methods law enforcers use to protect the Capitol complex. Members of the House select committee who investigated the attack and have reviewed the footage have also pointed out that there were a lot of protocols followed to ensure that details regarding these methods were not made available.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) in a letter sent to other Democratic House members noted that the transfer of the video footage was an “egregious security breach” which could lead to the endangerment of those serving in the United States Capitol Police.
The office of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), also criticized the decision and even called Carlson “the preeminent Jan. 6 truther.” They added that McCarthy’s decision was dangerous as it handed over sensitive information regarding the security of the Capitol complex and it could potentially open the road for even more disinformation relating to the event.
