Newly released video footage is raising fresh questions about former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's role in the events of Jan. 6, 2021.

The videos, shared by the Committee on House Administration Subcommittee on Oversight, reveal conflicting statements and actions regarding the deployment of the National Guard and security measures taken that day, and as these videos come to light, scrutiny of Pelosi's responsibility for the security lapses during the Capitol attack has intensified, as The Blaze reveals.

Pelosi Takes Responsibility While Shifting Blame

Pelosi, who served as House Speaker during the Capitol riot, has claimed full responsibility for the events of Jan. 6, a stark contrast to her earlier attempts to deflect blame. In one of the newly released clips, Pelosi is seen blaming former Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund for failing to secure the Capitol adequately.

This revelation is particularly significant because Sund had requested National Guard assistance as early as Jan. 3, 2021. However, his request was denied by the House sergeant at arms, reportedly due to Pelosi’s likely disapproval. Despite this, during the chaos of the attack, Pelosi expressed a desire for the National Guard to intervene, contradicting her previous stance.

Evacuation and Pelosi’s Response to the Crisis

As the attack on the Capitol escalated, Pelosi and other congressional leaders were evacuated to Fort McNair at 2:15 p.m. During the evacuation, Pelosi’s frustration was palpable. “We going to stay here all day, the rest of our lives, or what?” she is heard saying in the footage.

Despite the urgency of the situation, bureaucratic delays meant that National Guard troops did not arrive at the Capitol until 5:30 p.m. This delay further fueled the debate over whether the response to the looming threat had been adequate.

Sund’s Testimony Highlights Bureaucratic Challenges

In his testimony, former Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund highlighted the bureaucratic challenges he faced in securing approval for additional forces. He noted that had his Jan. 3 request for the National Guard been approved, the discussions surrounding the day’s events might never have occurred.

Sund also pointed out that President Trump had authorized up to 20,000 National Guard members on Jan. 3. However, the deployment of these troops required a request from local or federal law enforcement, which was not made until it was too late.

Internal Debates Within Pelosi’s Team

The newly released videos also offer a glimpse into the internal debates within Pelosi's team as they discussed the focus of public statements following the attack. In one of the clips, Pelosi’s staff can be heard prioritizing the blame on President Trump over other considerations. “I think our focus has to be on the president. Let’s not divert ourselves,” Pelosi said.

In another video, Pelosi's staff director, Jamie Fleet, criticized Sund’s handling of several issues, including his relationship with the Capitol Police union and the workforce’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. “I never liked Sund. I think he should have been gone a long time ago,” Pelosi remarked.

Criticism of Pelosi’s Security Decisions

Barry Loudermilk, a member of the House Administration Committee, has been vocal in his criticism of Pelosi's actions leading up to and during Jan. 6. “For over three years, Nancy Pelosi has refused to take responsibility for her failure to secure the Capitol grounds,” Loudermilk said in response to the newly released footage.

Sund echoed this sentiment, expressing his surprise at Pelosi’s repeated claims that no National Guard forces were deployed to the Capitol in advance. “I am stunned by the repeated statements by Pelosi about there not being any National Guard deployed,” Sund commented.

Calls for Changes to Capitol Police Procedures

In the aftermath of the Jan. 6 attack, there have been calls for changes to the laws governing Capitol Police operations. Sund testified that the Capitol Police Board’s restrictions on his authority significantly limited his ability to act decisively on Jan. 6.

Pelosi's apparent disapproval of Sund’s requests for National Guard support has added to the scrutiny of her actions. Her decisions and those of her team are now being reexamined in light of the newly released footage.

Pelosi’s Role Remains Under Scrutiny

As the public and lawmakers continue to assess the events of Jan. 6, these new videos have intensified the focus on Pelosi's role. Her conflicting statements, coupled with the delays in deploying the National Guard, have raised questions about her leadership and decision-making during one of the most challenging moments in recent U.S. history.

The ongoing release of video evidence and testimonies is likely to keep this issue in the spotlight, as debates over accountability and security continue. Pelosi’s actions before, during, and after Jan. 6 will remain a key point of contention as more information comes to light.

Conclusion

The release of these previously withheld videos has brought new scrutiny to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's decisions during the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.

Her shifting stance on National Guard deployment and her team's internal debates reveal a complex picture of leadership under crisis.

As calls for accountability grow louder, Pelosi's actions will continue to be a focal point in understanding the security failures of that day.