Background:
On the morning of January 6, 2021, a group of unidentified individuals constructed a gallows on Capitol Grounds. Between 6:30 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. that morning, the group constructed the platform and two main pillars of the gallows, only leaving off the crossbeam. Around this time, two individuals left the area, walking north on Third Street. They returned shortly after that and then subsequently left Capitol Grounds.
At approximately 1:00 p.m., the group returned to the site of the partially erected gallows and completed its construction by adding the crossbeam and a noose made of bright orange rope. After completing its construction, the group of individuals left the area. The gallows remained intact until approximately 9:15 a.m. on January 7.
After January 6th, the noose from the gallows was recovered by an Australian journalist and turned over to the FBI. However, three years later, the FBI still has no suspects.
The Capitol Police Guidelines for Conducting an event on United States Capitol Grounds explicitly state, “(t)emporary structures of any kind may not be erected on Capitol Grounds,” which would imply that a gallows—a temporary structure—may not be allowed on Capitol Grounds and would immediately be addressed and/or removed once discovered. However, these gallows were left untouched by USCP officers from 6:00 a.m. on January 6 until the next morning.
Photos of persons of interest can be found below. If you have any information regarding the January 6 gallows, please contact houseadminwhistleblower@mail.house.gov.
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