Unidentified Perpetrators Erected Infamous Capitol Gallows and Noose on Jan. 6: Newly Released Videos

On January 6, 2021, a group of individuals were captured on newly released videos obtained by CBS News, erecting a gallows and noose on the west front of the Capitol. This act, which has a history of racist and threatening overtones, occurred in the predawn hours of that day.

Surveillance Footage Reveals Brazenness

The footage shared with CBS News showed the audacity of the work behind the gallows and noose, as the individuals reportedly rolled pieces down major streets in plain sight during the early hours of January 6. The video depicted several people wheeling large wooden beams near the Capitol, clearly illustrating their movement across Union Square and near Independence Avenue, iconic areas near Capitol Hill.

Construction Timeline

According to a report by a Republican-led subcommittee of the House Committee on Administration, the group constructed the platform and two main pillars of the gallows between 6:30 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. that day, leaving off the crossbeam. The report also stated that the crossbeam and a bright orange noose were added during the 1 p.m. hour on January 6, as the rioting and the siege of the Capitol began.

Unsolved Perpetrators

Despite the outrage surrounding the display, the investigation into the construction of the gallows has yielded no identified individuals responsible. The subcommittee's review of the movement and construction of the gallows produced several grainy images of the faces of people believed to be near the assembly of the gallows. However, the individuals who constructed the gallows have never been identified.

The Distinctive Orange Noose

The gallows was outfitted with a bright orange-colored rope, a choice of color that was described as potentially a visual cue to attract attention to the noose. According to a researcher and professor at Morgan State University, the color choice was significant, especially for African Americans who cannot view the events of January 6, 2021, without recalling the history of lynched Black people in America.

Removal of the Noose

After the confrontation with the mob, the gallows was left unattended, and journalist Michael Persson reported that a young Black man climbed the gallows and cut down the noose, an act that was later described as courageous. Persson recovered the rope and turned it over to the FBI, emphasizing the symbolism of the gallows as representing the doom of that day.

Investigation Status

In response to inquiries about the status of any investigation into the gallows construction, the U.S. Department of Justice stated that the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, is an ongoing investigation, and therefore, they cannot discuss anything beyond the public record.

Review of the Gallows Incident

Capitol Police Guidelines

The House subcommittee reviewing the gallows incident highlighted that Capitol Police guidelines prohibit temporary structures "of any kind" on Capitol grounds, indicating that the gallows would have been immediately removed once discovered. However, the gallows remained untouched by Capitol Police officers from 6:00 a.m. on January 6 until later that evening, despite the violation of the guidelines.

Condemnation and Response

House Democrats on the subcommittee asserted that the gallows would "never have been built" if former President Trump hadn't summoned and dispatched a mob of armed rioters to raid the Capitol. They stated that the Committee's focus on the incident could assist law enforcement in determining responsibility, and emphasized that the gallows were never used during the attack, thanks to the actions of brave officers.

Suspected Group's Movements

The subcommittee's report on the gallows incident provided a detailed timeline of the group suspected of building the gallows, including their movements and actions on the morning of January 6. Despite the distinct appearance of the apparent group leader, who was never identified publicly, the group's activities were closely documented.