According to a report by Raw Story on Saturday, January 6, 2024, a chilling video released from the January 6 insurrection gives a clear picture of rioters face to face with members of Congress within the halls of the US Capitol.
Obtained by NBC News via a records request, the footage, recorded by rioter Damon Beckley and utilized as evidence in his trial, captures the horrible moments as insurrectionists confronted lawmakers within the House of Representatives chamber.
The video places viewers in the midst of chaos, showing insurrectionists mere feet away from Congress members, including then-Rep. Markwayne Mullin, now a member of the US Senate, and Rep. Troy Nehls, the latter adorned with a Texas flag-themed surgical mask.
Nehls, a former Texas law enforcement officer, expressed his dismay at the unprecedented behavior of the rioters admitting his shame at the volatile situation.
Amidst a cacophony of expletives and aggressive exchanges, one rioter’s chilling declaration echoes: “they can only kill so many of us.”
This alarming sentiment encapsulated the fervor and determination of the mob, driven by a belief that the election results should be overturned
The rioters can be heard yelling at Nehls and Mullin, one of whom shouted “there’s going to be a bigger Civil War and a lot of bloodshed” if election results weren’t overturned.
Beckley, the rioter behind the video, voiced his frustration, recounting a long journey and disillusionment with Vice President Mike Pence’s actions during the certification process.
“He could’ve done the right thing and certified those legislators, electors, and we wouldn’t be standing here with a nine-millimeter pointed at me right now!”
Beckley is heard lamenting in the footage, reflecting the fervent belief among rioters that their actions were justified.
Congressman Nehls reflected on the intense moment, describing his decision to stand firm against the insurrectionists. “I am going to stay right here with my brothers and sisters in blue,” he asserted, emphasizing his refusal to endorse the criminal actions unfolding before him.
However, despite Nehls disapproval of the insurrectionists behavior, both he and Mullin are among the 147 Republican representatives and senators who voted against certifying the 2020 Electoral College results.
Their votes aligning with the rioters objectives stand in contrast to their on-site condemnation during the violent events of January 6.
The newly released footage highlights the intensity of convictions driving both sides, rioters convinced of electoral injustice and lawmakers confronting the brunt of a mob fueled by grievances and a fervent belief in their cause.
