A newly released video shot by a Capitol protester shows a confrontation between a pair of Republican congressmen and a frenzy of people trying to break onto the House floor.
The video, first obtained by NBC News through a records request, was captured by Damon Beckley, who is awaiting sentencing for charges stemming from his participation in the storming of the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
The video was introduced as evidence ahead of Mr. Beckley’s Feb. 9 sentencing hearing. Federal prosecutors are seeking more than three years in federal prison for him.
His video depicts protesters huddled against a door that leads onto the House floor, peering through broken glass and torn paper plastered on the doors. Gun barrels drawn by Capitol police officers stare at them.
The video also shows Rep. Troy Nehls, Texas Republican, and then-Rep. Markwayne Mullin, Oklahoma Republican, speaking to the crowd through the broken glass.
“You ought to be ashamed of yourself,” Mr. Nehls said.
He continued, “I’ve been in law enforcement in Texas for 30 years, and I’ve never had people act this way. I’m ashamed.”
Members of the crowd pressed against the door could be heard saying “they can only kill so many of us” and that there would be a “bigger Civil War and a lot of bloodshed” if the 2020 results were not overturned after what they saw as a rigged election.
“If we’ve got to hang a bunch of crooked congressmen, we’ll do that,” one protester said.
Mr. Nehls has publicly condemned the demonstrators who stormed the U.S. Capitol, calling their actions “criminal.” However, he and Mr. Mullin, who has since been elected to the Senate, were among the 147 lawmakers in Congress who voted against certifying the 2020 election.
• Alex Miller can be reached at amiller@washingtontimes.com.
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