This is evident in The New York Times’ “Day of Rage” video investigation, a 40-minute video that meticulously analyzes the events of the day. Malachy Browne (senior producer, Times’ visual investigations) said that the Times’ team gathered thousands of videos starting on Jan. 6. Many of these were posted on social media by the protesters.
Browne stated that many participants came to realize the consequences of their actions and how they were affecting others.
It’s too late. The Times had already secured its copies.
Some journalists covering the attack found the day difficult. Times and photojournalists were beaten up and some AP equipment that was used to document the incident was damaged.
The newspaper used both the collected footage and other material such as police bodycam film or archived audio from police communications to recreate the event from different angles in “Day of Rage”. Browne explained that the Times used time stamps and information about where people were located to track down footage from a freelance videographer, who didn’t realize he had captured the attack which led to the death of Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick. After engaging in protests, Sicknick fell to his death and then died. Although he was subject to chemical irritants, a medical examiner concluded that he died from natural causes.
The Times was able determine that eight locations were used by rioters to enter the Capitol.
The footage also revealed the intentions of many rioters. For example, former President Donald Trump’s remarks at the pre-riot rally were juxtaposed to what was being said by his audience.
The Times investigation found that the delay by the House in halting debate on election certification after rioters had arrived outside the chamber contributed towards the shooting of Ashli Babbitt (a Californian woman who was part of the crowd that broke into the building).
This project shows law enforcement being overwhelmed partly because they were not prepared by their superiors. Some of the footage was captured at other locations over the past months and contains some startling moments. A police officer pushing a rioter in one direction, while senators slide to safety in the background. A House employee, while whispering to a colleague, is enforcing control in an office while a door is being pounded outside.
The footage shows members of Oath Keepers and Proud Boys demonstrating their body armor, weapons and organized movements. However, the Times concludes the majority of rioters were Trump supporters who got caught up in the chaos.
Browne stated that many people in the crowd felt they had a duty to protect democracy as they see.
Browne estimates that between 15 and 20 journalists were involved in the preparation of the Times’ story. The Times had nine bylines. The newspaper had been reporting on the incident for months before the documentary was released.
Browne, who also acts as the video’s narrator, doesn’t mince words when telling viewers what has been concluded.
He says that “our reconstruction shows the Capitol riot as it was — a violent attack, encouraged by the president on a seat democracy that he promised to protect” in the documentary.
A congressman also appears in the film, comparing the rioters with tourists. Browne says, “A tourist visit was not” and the proof is in his footage.
The Times investigation could be given more importance due to the government’s inability to fully investigate what happened on that day.
He said that recent events had made a presentation such as this more valuable. “Maybe it will increase the pressure to investigate. I’m not sure. We don’t intend to influence politicians or policy, but to show the public the truth.
