(ReliableNews.org) – For over three years, arguments have persisted over who had the authority to call in the National Guard on January 6. Republicans claim then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) blocked them from responding. Though that narrative has repeatedly been debunked, a new video shows the Democrat making a startling admission.
HBO recently released never-before-seen footage of January 6 at the request of House Republicans. The footage was shot by Pelosi’s daughter, Alexandra Pelosi, for a documentary about the attack on the Capitol that aired in 2022. The video shows several congressional leaders questioning the response to the attack and discussing what to do about the Electoral College vote certification.
In one clip, Pelosi was riding to Fort McNair with Terri McCullough, her chief of staff, after escaping the Capitol. The congresswoman says, “We have responsibility” discussing the security breaches. She said they didn’t have “accountability” for the attack and they should have. Pelosi remarks on being asked if they should call in the National Guard while the attack was ongoing and appeared incredulous. She demanded to know why the troops weren’t already there.
McCullough responded, telling the former speaker that Capitol security officials believed they were prepared for the protests. Pelosi responds, “They clearly didn’t know and I take responsibility for not having them just prepare for more.”
Pelosi demanded to know what the Capitol security missed “in terms of anticipation.”
In another clip, Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is shown on the phone with then-Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy. The lawmaker demands to know if McCarthy denied a request for the National Guard. The Army secretary said he “never said no” but had to “get permission” from his boss.
Republicans argue the clips of Pelosi show that she knew all along that it was her responsibility. However, congressional leaders shared the responsibility to keep the Capitol safe and they have all said they relied on assessments from security officials in the days leading up to the attack.
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