Newly acquired memos and text messages reveal that top aides to then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi were alerted by police the night before the January 6 Capitol riots about potential threats of protesters breaching the Capitol through its tunnels and obstructing Biden’s certification. These documents also suggest Pelosi's office was involved in security planning for that day.
Capitol Police Deputy Chief Sean Gallagher warned Deputy House Sergeant at Arms Tim Blodgett via email at 8:55 p.m. on January 5, 2021, about groups planning to access the Capitol through tunnel systems. This email was later forwarded to Sergeant at Arms Paul Irving. A second warning that evening also flagged potential threats against Supreme Court justices, prompting a scheduled briefing for Pelosi’s then-chief of staff, Terri McCullough, the next morning.
The communications have led to scrutiny of Pelosi’s role in security decisions for January 6. In a video released recently by House Administration Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Barry Loudermilk, Pelosi is seen acknowledging responsibility for security failures, despite her public statements denying such involvement.
Loudermilk indicated that his committee plans to question Pelosi's staff about their reaction to these warnings and the implications of the video. He suggested that Pelosi and her staff might have played a role in rejecting Chief Steven Sund's request for National Guard support.
Pelosi and House Democrats have consistently denied responsibility for not accepting National Guard assistance offered by the Trump administration, attributing security decisions to the sergeant-at-arms and Capitol Police. Pelosi’s spokesperson reiterated these claims, emphasizing that the Speaker is not responsible for Capitol security.
However, the newly obtained documents reveal Pelosi's office was actively involved in the security planning. Emails show that McCullough provided feedback on security plans and suggested edits to a security letter sent to House members just before the certification vote.
Despite warnings the night before about potential threats and subsequent warnings about threats to Supreme Court justices, the Capitol Police did not fully address the concerns on the day of the riot.
Text messages also show that McCullough was in contact with Irving for updates on January 6, further suggesting that Pelosi’s office was aware of potential threats. Despite this, Pelosi's public statements have largely downplayed her role in the security planning.
The new footage from January 6 shows Pelosi expressing frustration over the lack of National Guard presence and acknowledging a degree of responsibility for the inadequate preparations. However, Pelosi's public statements since then have denied any personal responsibility or influence over Capitol security decisions.
Read more here (Just The News)
