Video from the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021, shows a man, now a Justice Department adviser, urging the crowd to “kill” police officers responding to the chaos. This footage comes from a body camera worn by a Metropolitan Police officer. Major media outlets, including NPR and CBS News, fought to access this footage in connection with the criminal cases against over 1,000 individuals involved in the riot.
The man in the video is Jared Wise. He faces six charges related to his alleged actions during the chaos and has pleaded not guilty. Reports indicate he previously worked as a special agent with the FBI from 2004 to 2017. A Justice Department spokesperson defended Wise, calling him “a valued member” of their team.
On that chaotic day, a mob supporting former President Trump stormed the Capitol to contest the 2020 election results. Wise was seen in body camera footage confronting police officers, labeling them as “the Gestapo” and shouting, “Shame on you!” He also encouraged rioters to harm law enforcement present.
According to court documents, following a tip that Wise was inside the Capitol, the FBI obtained authorization to search his records, confirming his presence that day.
In June 2023, Wise pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. His trial was slated for January but became entangled in legal complexities. On the day of President Biden’s inauguration, the Justice Department requested to dismiss Wise’s case, which the court granted.
The events of January 6 continue to spark discussions on accountability in public service, with many questioning the actions of officials engaged in the riot. Some experts emphasize the need for thorough investigations to prevent similar incidents in the future. Recent polls show that public opinion varies widely on the handling of the aftermath, reflecting deep divisions in the nation regarding law enforcement and political accountability.
For further details, you can check out this NPR article and the Justice Department press release.
