Pelosi's Security Team Warned Of Capitol Threats Before Jan 6 Riot, Documents Reveal
According to Just The News, new documents indicate that key security aides to then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi had prior warnings of potential breaches before the violent events of January 6, 2021.
Newly exposed memos and communications suggest that Pelosi’s top security advisers were alerted to potential threats at the Capitol the night before the riots took place.
Early Warnings to Pelosi's Security Team
On the evening of January 5, 2021, a significant caution was issued by Capitol Police Deputy Chief Sean Gallagher regarding potential risks to the Capitol’s tunnel systems. These warnings were directed towards the House Sergeant at Arms staff, highlighting concerns about groups planning to infiltrate and disrupt.
This critical information was received and promptly forwarded to then-House Sergeant at Arms Paul Irving, ensuring it reached the higher echelons of the Capitol security administration. Gallagher's message starkly noted the intentions of groups to target tunnel entrances and confront lawmakers.
Additional Threats and Preparations
Later that same night, the security discourse expanded with additional warnings about potential threats to Supreme Court justices.
This prompted the scheduling of a briefing for Pelosi's then-chief of staff, Terri McCullough. These preparation steps revealed a high-alert security apparatus yet seemingly under-prepared for what was to come.
Preparatory communications continued deep into the night and even on the morning of the riot, showing an ongoing dialogue between McCullough and Irving, trying to fine-tune the security details.
Pelosi's Acknowledgment Amidst Crisis
As the events of January 6 unfolded, Pelosi was recorded in a video expressing her comprehension of the severity of the oversight.
"We did not have any accountability for what was going on there, and we should have... I take responsibility for not having them just prepare for more," Pelosi said, reflecting on the chaotic incidents as she evacuated the Capitol.
This moment of reflection was captured amidst a recognition of the impending dangers, which were earlier raised yet insufficiently countered.
Security Failure and Aftermath
Despite the warnings and preparations discussed between Pelosi’s staff and the Sergeant at Arms, the Capitol security measures failed to prevent the breach.
Gallagher also reported on the morning of January 6 about the concerning activities of a group called Red State Secession, which he said was collecting addresses for Supreme Court Justices.
The security breach on January 6 led to significant scrutiny of the decisions made under Pelosi’s watch. This included her and her team's decision to decline the Trump administration's offer to have National Guard troops pre-posted at the Capitol, a point of contention and critique during subsequent investigations.
Insights from Oversight and Subsequent Analysis
House Administration Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Barry Loudermilk later highlighted the details of these failures and warnings. He criticized the preparation and response, pointing out the lack of proper actions despite prior warnings.
Loudermilk's statement emphasized that Pelosi and her aides were fully aware of the gravity of the situation yet might have underestimated the scale of potential disruption. "I think it was clear at that moment. She understood. They messed up," Loudermilk remarked concerning Pelosi’s reaction.
In the wake of the riot, numerous inquiries and fact-checking efforts were launched to investigate the matters of responsibility and authority concerning Capitol security.
A spokesperson for Nancy Pelosi defended her, stating, “Numerous independent fact-checkers have confirmed again and again that Pelosi did not plan her assassination on January 6th. The Speaker of the House is not in charge of the security of the Capitol Complex – on January 6th or any other day of the week."
Conclusion
The memos and communications unearthed provide a clearer picture of the security warnings received and the actions taken. These documents raise questions about the readiness and responsiveness of Pelosi's security team in anticipation of and during the breach of the U.S. Capitol. It underscores important lessons in crisis preparedness and response for future events.