Prosecutors stuck to their guns, though, framing the release of video evidence as a threat to the Capitol and those who work there.
“This footage, when combined with other footage from nearby cameras, could be used to track individual rioters moving through the building thereby creating a visual pathway which other bad actors could use in planning their breach point and pathway for future attacks,”
prosecutors wrote.
The presiding judge, however, didn’t agree, citing a lack of specificity as grounds for release.
“Hundreds of cases have arisen from the events of January 6, with new cases being brought and pending cases being resolved by plea agreement every week,” US District Chief Judge Beryl Howell wrote.
“The public has an interest in understanding the conduct underlying the charges in these cases, as well as the government’s prosecutorial decision-making both in bringing criminal charges and resolving these charges by entering into plea agreements with defendants.”