FBI releases videos of ‘horrifying assaults’ on officers during Jan. 6 riot

The FBI on Wednesday released videos of “horrifying assaults” on law enforcement during the Jan. 6 riot on Capitol Hill as Congress debates the formation of a commission to investigate the insurrection. 

In two new videos, the FBI showed one suspect trying to tear off an officer’s gas mask before picking up a baton and striking officers with it, and another suspect punching officers with gloves with metal knuckles.

The FBI requested the public’s help in identifying the two suspects and confirmed that more than 425 individuals who took part in the insurrection have been arrested so far. 

#Breaking: #FBIWFO releases new videos of suspects in 2 of the most violent & horrifying assaults on federal officers during the riots on Jan. 6th at the Capitol. We need your help to identify these individuals. https://t.co/pkUTjfqHQ9

— FBI Washington Field (@FBIWFO) May 19, 2021

“The American people answered the call when we asked for their help two months ago in identifying 10 individuals captured on video in some of the most violent attacks on officers who were protecting the U.S. Capitol on January 6,” said Steven D’Antuono, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, referencing other arrests that were made as a result of tips from the public. 

“As difficult as it is to report family, friends, and co-workers, the American public continues to provide vital assistance to the FBI and our partners in this investigation,” D’Antuono said in a statement.

The release of the video comes as Republicans line up against creating a commission to investigate the Jan. 6 riot, which unsuccessfully sought to halt Congress’s certification of the Electoral College results of the 2020 presidential race.

The videos also undermine arguments from Republicans seeking to downplay the severity of the insurrection, which led to the deaths of several people.

Republican lawmakers in recent days have downplayed the violence, with some questioning whether the rioters were in fact supporters of former President Trump — which multiple insurrectionists confirmed in court testimony — and others downplaying the rioters’ intent.

“Watching the TV footage of those who entered the Capitol and walked through Statuary Hall showed people in an orderly fashion staying between the stanchions and ropes taking videos and pictures,” Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.) said last week. “You know, if you didn’t know the TV footage was a video from Jan. 6, you’d think it was a normal tourist visit.”