In a gripping new video released by the Justice Department, U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) is caught in the midst of the January 6th Capitol insurrection, standing in the House chamber alongside a security guard aiming a pistol at rioters attempting to breach a door. The footage, released at the request of NBC News ahead of the third anniversary of the deadly riot, captures Nehls shouting through shattered window panes.
“I’ve been in law enforcement in Texas for 30 years, and I’ve never had people act this way,” Nehls tells the rioters. “I’m ashamed!” Nehls was wearing a mask with a Texas flag, as masks were mandatory in the chambers at the time.
“We’re coming in one way or another,” a rioter replied in the video says.
In the midst of the attack, Nehls posted on social media a picture of himself helping barricade the door as he condemned the violence.
“What I’m witnessing is a disgrace. We’re better than this. Violence is NEVER the answer,” he wrote.
NEW:
Dramatic new Jan. 6 video shows two GOP representatives speaking with Capitol rioters through the broken windows of the House chamber doors as officers point weapons at the mob attempting to breach the floor.
This evidence was released in response to a request by @NBCNews. pic.twitter.com/ZL5kgGlFzi
— Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) January 6, 2024
I was proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Capitol police barricading entrance to our sacred House chamber, while trying to calm the situation talking to protestors.
What I’m witnessing is a disgrace. We’re better than this. Violence is NEVER the answer.
Law and order! pic.twitter.com/SgN2F8YGIS
— Troy Nehls (@SheriffTNehls) January 6, 2021
However, despite his initial condemnation of the violence, Nehls has since downplayed the significance of the attack and emerged as a staunch defender of many rioters facing prosecution. His unwavering support for former President Donald Trump includes echoing false claims about the 2020 election.
Nehls denies Trump’s responsibility for the attack, shifting blame to the U.S. Capitol Police and criticizing the House investigation into Trump’s role. He plans to defend Trump in a case potentially disqualifying him from the 2024 ballot. Nehls has also offered a qualified defense of rioters, claiming Ashli Babbitt’s death was murder and criticized the House committee investigating the attack.
The Texas Republican, who authored a book alleging election rigging and impeachment to damage Trump, continues to fervently support Trump, even proposing him as a potential unifying leader during the search for a new House Speaker.
