Footage Shows McConnell and Schumer Calling Acting Defense Secretary on Jan 6

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Congressional leaders from both parties called the acting defense secretary for help to clear the building during the January 6 Capitol attack, footage released by the January 6 Committee on Thursday, July 21, shows.

In the footage, then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell can be heard telling then-Acting Defense Secretary Chris Miller, “We’re not going to let these people keep us from finishing our business. So we need you to get the building cleared, give us the okay, so we can go back in session and finish up the people’s business as soon as possible.”

Then-Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer can be heard asking Miller when representatives could safely resume their session. “I would say best case, we’re looking at four or five hours,” Miller replies. Credit: January 6th Committee via Storyful

Video Transcript

SEN. MITCH MCCONNELL: We're not going to let these people keep us from finishing our business. So we need you to get the building cleared. Give us the OK so we can go back in session and finish up the people's business as soon as possible.

CHRISTOPHER MILLER: Amen, sir.

SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER: Mr. Secretary, it's Senator Schumer. Some people here in the Capitol Police believe it would take us several days to secure the building. Do you agree with that analysis?

CHRISTOPHER MILLER: I'm not on the ground, but I do not agree with that analysis.

SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER: So what is the earliest that we could safely resume our proceedings in the Senate and House chambers? The earliest we could safely resume.

CHRISTOPHER MILLER: I-- here's my assessment. But I prefer to be on the ground, which I personally would prefer to be right now than I need to be here. I would say, best case, we're looking at four to five hours.

SEN. MITCH MCCONNELL: We're not going to let people keep us from finishing our business. So we need you to get the building cleared. Give us the OK so we can go back in session and finish up the people's business as soon as possible.

CHRISTOPHER MILLER: Amen, sir.

SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER: Mr. Secretary, this is Senator Schumer. Some people here in the Capitol Police believe it would take us several days to secure the building. Do you agree with that analysis?

CHRISTOPHER MILLER: I'm not on the ground, but I do not agree with that analysis.

SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER: So what is the earliest that we could safely resume our proceedings in the Senate and House chambers? The earliest we could safely resume.

CHRISTOPHER MILLER: I-- here's my assessment. But I prefer to be on the ground, which I personally would prefer to be right now than I need to be here. I would say, best case, we're looking at four to five hours.