New York Congressman and gubernatorial candidate has criticized the recent PBS documentary that highlighted the efforts of citizen investigators known as 'sedition hunters' in identifying individuals involved in the events of January 6th, 2021. The documentary claimed that over 1,200 Americans had been charged in connection with the Capitol breach, and touted it as the largest operation in FBI history.
The congressman expressed concerns regarding the state-funded nature of PBS and referred to it as 'state television.' He suggested that the documentary aimed to turn Americans against each other and create a revolutionary atmosphere. He also questioned why certain key individuals involved in the events of January 6th, such as the pipe bombers and those who erected gallows, had not been identified or apprehended.
The congressman argued that the resources dedicated to investigating the Capitol breach were disproportionately large, considering other unresolved crimes, including child abduction and child pornography. He highlighted the eroding support for the FBI among the American public, suggesting that their priorities were not aligned with the concerns of ordinary citizens. The overreach of certain district attorneys and judges in cases related to campaign finance violations and classified documents was also brought up.
Critics of the documentary pointed out that it did not call for the release of all tapes related to January 6th, which could potentially show peaceful protesters touring the Capitol. They questioned whether individuals who participated at various levels should be prosecuted and labeled as felons.
Moreover, the discussion touched upon the role of citizen investigators in the documentary, labeled as 'sedition hunters.' It was emphasized that these individuals worked independently and were not affiliated with law enforcement agencies. One sedition hunter expressed a desire to expand their investigations to include individuals guilty of disinformation.
Both the congressman and critics of the documentary highlighted the divisiveness and potential consequences of such investigations, drawing comparisons to the surveillance state depicted in movies like 'The Lives of Others,' where citizens turned against each other.
The discussion shed light on the ongoing debate surrounding the Capitol breach investigation, the allocation of resources by law enforcement agencies, and the impact of citizen-led investigations on society and trust in government institutions.
