The answer to the question obviously is yes [1].
American Greatness takes a bite out of this particular Apple…
Had the government decided to include video of the situation several minutes before Webster’s meltdown, it would have shown, according to court filings, police officers attacking and provoking protesters outside the Capitol who were doing nothing wrong.
In a June 17 court filing [2] asking for his client’s release, here is how Webster’s attorney described part of the body cam footage that wasn’t released to CNN:
For the ten minutes prior to encountering the defendant, Officer N.R. can be seen reaching over the metal barrier and pushing a female protester holding a flag to the ground on two separate occasions. The protesters . . . were by and large peaceful. It was only after tear gas and pepper spray were deployed by police upon this group of peaceful protesters that the crowds changed.
Officer N.R. [the cop Webster allegedly assaulted] was equipped with a helmet, a shield, a gas mask, and a full complement of body armor. [P]rotesters—who did not attend the protest with a mask or face shield—are observed suffering the effects of being gassed and pepper sprayed by police. Officer N.R. can also be observed mocking several protesters who were complaining about this Officer’s excessive use of force.
Angered by the use of police force . . . Webster is heard angrily referring to the police officers as ‘commie motherfuckers.’ The video depicts this officer reaching beyond the metal barriers and pushing Webster on the chest. It is at this point that Officer N.R. again reaches over the metal barricade and punches Webster on the left side of his face.
The Justice Department disputes Webster’s account. But he made the same accusation under oath during a February court hearing. In his interview [3] with the FBI, Webster also said the officer “was encouraging me to jump over the barrier . . . like waving me on with his hand.” Webster told agents the officer landed “a big sucker punch” on him.
Why would Webster lie? The fact is, he didn’t. (His bond hearing is Tuesday afternoon.)
So basically what we’re seeing here is the Democrat parties justice department intentionally removing exculpatory evidence once again.
The whole thing stinks, people. There is no reason to believe anything that’s coming out of this administration or out of the Democrat run Congress on this matter, either.