Left-Wing Journalists Slam Release Of Jan. 6 Tapes

The recent decision by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) to release previously unseen footage from the Jan. 6, 2021 protest received considerable praise from conservatives and scorn from journalists.

An MSNBC panel ripped McCarthy’s decision to release the tapes to Fox News host Tucker Carlson.

The unique situation also lent at least some journalists opposing the release of this information to the public.

Those on the segment asked if there was a public safety concern in the footage’s release. Dana Milbank of the Washington Post told the MSNBC panel that the tapes should remain sealed.

“This doesn’t belong in the public domain,” he said.

The latest moves come as attention on the circumstances around the Jan. 6 protests increases. This is especially due to the anticipation of more footage from security cameras being released through Carlson or related media.

The desire for more transparency also comes following a number of significant polls on the subject. One question asked whether or not voters believed that federal agencies may have facilitated what happened that day, with a large majority of voters agreeing.

Another found a significant majority in support of releasing the video footage from that day.

The support for openness surrounding the Jan. 6 tapes underscores the contrast with the journalists’ views. Public support will also likely increase pressure to release more footage to the public.

The release of the Jan. 6 tapes should also help to clarify a number of concerns and remaining questions surrounding the events of that day. It also comes at a time where the role of federal agents and police response to the protests.

Furthermore, the release should also lead to a wider public scrutiny of the aftermath of the events. By being able to highlight what happened to those who entered into Capitol Hill grounds.

Conservative activists have questioned the circumstances in which dozens of protesters landed in jail. Several of those who were at the Capitol that day are still being held on a variety of charges.