The full body camera footage from former D.C. Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot has been made public following a court-ordered release in a Judicial Watch Freedom of Information Act lawsuit, sparking renewed scrutiny of the officer’s dramatic congressional testimony.

Fanone, who became a prominent media figure after the events of that day, told the House Select Committee on January 6 in July 2021 that he was “grabbed, beaten, tased” multiple times, dragged into a violent mob, beaten unconscious, and suffered a heart attack, concussion, and traumatic brain injury. He emotionally described fearing for his life as rioters called him a traitor.

However, the newly unredacted bodycam video, side-by-side comparisons of which are circulating widely on social media, appears to show discrepancies with key elements of that account. On-scene medical reports cited in discussions of the footage indicate Fanone had equal pupils, no obvious severe injuries or fractures, and was able to move under his own power shortly after the altercation near the Capitol tunnel.

Partial clips of Fanone’s bodycam had been released earlier, confirming he was involved in a physical struggle and was tased while defending the tunnel entrance. Supporters of the new release argue the complete video lacks evidence of the prolonged, savage beating described in his testimony and shows moments where some protesters appeared to shield him amid the chaos.

Fanone has maintained that he was brutally assaulted while protecting the Capitol. He later detailed his experiences in media interviews, a book, and public appearances, becoming one of the most visible law enforcement voices criticizing former President Donald Trump and his supporters over January 6.

The footage release comes more than five years after the event, after prolonged legal efforts by Judicial Watch to obtain it. The group reportedly faced significant processing fees and delays from D.C. police officials.

Six individuals have previously pleaded guilty to assaulting Fanone based on earlier evidence. No charges have been filed against Fanone related to his testimony, and mainstream outlets have described the full video as largely consistent with previously known events while acknowledging ongoing debates over the precise details.

The development has fueled intense online discussion, with critics of the January 6 narrative calling for further investigation into potential inconsistencies and a renewed focus on all available footage from that day. Supporters of Fanone maintain that the video confirms the violence he faced and that isolated medical notes do not capture the full trauma of the incident.This latest release adds to the broader controversy surrounding January 6, where over 1,000 individuals have faced charges, and debates continue over the use of force, the role of federal informants, and the completeness of the official record. President Trump has pardoned numerous January 6 defendants since taking office, while calls grow on both sides for greater transparency.The full implications of the bodycam video will likely be debated in the coming weeks as more analysts and lawmakers weigh in.