Newly Unearthed Footage Shows Jan. 6 Rioter Firing Gun Outside Capitol
Rioter Identified Firing Gun During Capitol Attack
Newly discovered footage from January 6 reveals a rioter firing a gun into the air outside the Capitol during the attack. The man, identified as John Emanuel Banuelos, had previously been identified by online sleuths who assisted in numerous Jan. 6 prosecutions. Banuelos, currently individual no. 200 on the FBI’s Capitol Violence page, can be seen in videos and photographs from that day carrying the weapon in his waistband. He had admitted to being at the Capitol and appearing with a gun in the footage.
Previous Arrest and Self-Defense Claim
Although Banuelos has not been charged in connection with the events of January 6, he was previously arrested by Salt Lake City police in relation to a fatal stabbing on July 4, 2021. Banuelos allegedly claimed self-defense in the incident, and the Salt Lake City District Attorney’s office did not pursue a case against him. However, in a conversation with police, Banuelos mentioned his involvement in the Capitol attack, expressing uncertainty about whether he should turn himself in to the FBI or not.
New Footage Shows Gunshots Fired
Newly released footage captured by another Jan. 6 rioter demonstrates Banuelos firing the gun into the air on two occasions during the chaotic scene outside the Capitol. Online sleuths, who identified Banuelos as the individual firing the shots, also discovered U.S. Capitol Police surveillance footage showing him appearing to fire the weapon. Several other videos feature audio of the gunshots. This footage represents the first documented instance of a rioter discharging a firearm during the events of January 6.
Presence of Firearms and Weapons
Contrary to false claims made by conservative media figures, evidence gathered by the Justice Department and proven in court cases reveals that many of the individuals who participated in the storming of the Capitol on January 6 were armed with deadly or dangerous weapons. Defendants such as Christopher Alberts, Mark Mazza, and Guy Reffitt were all found to have possessed firearms during the attack. The presence of firearms among the crowd was known to former President Donald Trump, as indicated by the testimony of his former aide, Cassidy Hutchinson.
Questions Surrounding Banuelos’ Identity
The release of the new footage by Jan. 6 rioter Derrick Evans, who is running for Congress, has raised questions about Banuelos’ identity and potential involvement as a federal agent. Despite his online history as a Trump supporter, Evans describes Banuelos as an “agitator” and suggests the possibility of him being a federal agent. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. Banuelos has been the subject of threats sent by an individual using his name on social media. These threats were directed at the online sleuths who have been investigating the events of January 6.
No Immediate Response from Authorities
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, responsible for the numerous cases brought against Jan. 6 rioters, has not provided a comment regarding any potential criminal charges against Banuelos. Additionally, Banuelos has not responded to messages sent to his social media accounts. The release of threatening videos by someone purporting to be Banuelos raises concerns about his intentions and involvement.
In Conclusion
The newly uncovered footage depicting Banuelos firing a gun outside the Capitol on January 6 adds to the growing body of evidence surrounding the violence that took place that day. It highlights the presence of firearms among the rioters and raises questions about Banuelos’ identity and potential role in the events. As investigations continue and more evidence emerges, the full extent of the violence and those responsible for it will hopefully be brought to justice.
Read More of this Story at www.nbcnews.com – 2024-02-10 15:31:16
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