Newly Released Audio Reveals Desperate Police Struggle To Fend Off Capitol Attackers

Newly released police dispatch recordings from Jan. 6 reveal the chaos and danger that officers faced as pro-Trump insurrectionists swarmed the U.S. Capitol building.

“They’re starting to dismantle the reviewing stand,” an officer says.

Moments later, a panicked voice shouts out to dispatch: “Cruiser 50, give me DSO [Domestic Security Operations ] up here now! DSO! Multiple law enforcement injuries! DSO, get up here!”

Five people died in the day’s violence, including Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick . Two other officers involved in battling the insurrection later died by suicide. And many more were injured in the violent attack.

In a recording played by Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), another impeachment manager, an officer tells dispatch that he and his fellow officers have been overrun by the mob. 

“We lost the line. We’ve lost the line,” the officer can be heard saying. “We have been flanked and we’ve lost the line,” he yells.

Surveillance video seen for the first time on Wednesday also showed how close the mob got to lawmakers. In one video, Capitol Police officer Eugene Goodman is seen redirecting Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) away from the rioters. Other security footage shows Vice President Mike Pence being evacuated from the Senate chamber after the mob has already breached the Capitol.