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'It didn't change anything': Internet mocks Mike Johnson as House Intelligence chair praises Speaker for release of Jan 6 tapes

Rep Mike Turner (R-Ohio) described the move as an 'important' step toward unraveling the truth behind what unfolded on January 6

WASHINGTON, DC: In a recent interview on NBC's 'Meet the Press', House Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turner (R-Ohio) commended newly elected Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La) for his decision to release footage from the January 6 riot at the Capitol.

According to The Hill, Turner described this move as an "important" step toward unraveling the truth behind the events of that tumultuous day. The congressman expressed concern that the American people might be receiving biased accounts of the Capitol attack, echoing a common argument in favor of releasing the tapes.

Challenging misinformation surrounding Capitol attack

"It's important for Americans to know the truth. This has been fraught with an unbelievable amount of misinformation and untruths," Turner told NBC's Kristen Welker when confronted with questions about the potential security risks associated with releasing the footage.

According to Turner, the footage provides an opportunity for individuals to form their own understanding of the events that transpired on January 6, 2021. "Because we're currently only depending on really partisan descriptions of what happened. Now the American people can see," he asserted.

However, when pressed about concerns that GOP colleagues might be selectively choosing images from the footage to misrepresent the events, Turner responded, "I think it's been cherry-picked by both sides." He referenced the Jan 6 select committee, which investigated the events of that day, as an ongoing effort to uncover the truth.

Addressing the controversy surrounding some GOP members misrepresenting the footage, Turner dodged a question about his comfort level with such actions.

Welker inquired about Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga) suggesting an inside job by the Capitol Police, to which Turner responded, "You'll have to talk to Marjorie Taylor Greene about that." He added, "What I will say is I think it's important that the Speaker has taken this step because now people can see the truth."

Social media reactions

Critics on social media, however, mocked Speaker Johnson for releasing the tapes.

"It didn't change anything," one posted on X (formerly Twitter).

"Yes, it's what everyone said it was," another wrote.

"Wait we saw the majority of this on LIVE TV, does gaslighting just run in their blood?" a comment read.

"@MikeTurnerOH I saw the truth with my eyes, listened with my ears live on TV January 6, 2021," someone else offered.

"After Speaker Johnsons’ release of the J6 tapes many more rioters have been identified by Americans viewing them. Many more newly identified rioters now face arrest. Thank you Speaker Johnson. I don’t think this is working out the way MAGA thought it would," another quipped.

Meanwhile, many on the opposite side of the political aisle applauded the decision.

"Transparency is always good," one wrote.

"Yep, we got a chance to see the difference between agitators and real Trump supporters," another insisted.

"Gotta love the new House Speaker :) #draintheswamp," someone else gushed.

"Thank you Mr. Speaker. People deserve to know the truth. Investigate the J6 Committee!" a comment read.

"Perjury was committed by judges, district attorneys and witnesses not to mention the Jan 6 commission. All must be charged and tried immediately," another alleged.