Congress claims sovereign immunity prevents Capitol Police from sharing January 6 emails and videos

Judicial Watch is challenging an attempt by the U.S Capitol Police to block the watchdog organization's federal lawsuit to gain access to videos and emails related to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.  

Congress, via the police department, is arguing that the videos and emails being sought are not matters of public record and that there is no public interest in their release. Furthermore, the body is claiming that sovereign immunity prevents citizens from suing for their release.

The suit was filed by Judicial Watch under the common law right of access after the Capitol Police refused to provide requested records in response to the group's initial request dating back to January 2021.

The initial request was for emails between the USCP executive team and the Capitol Police board pertaining to the security of the Capitol complex on the day of the riot and emails among the USCP and the FBI, Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security.