In a recently unearthed video from the January 6th insurrection at the US Capitol, rioters can be seen in close proximity to members of Congress who were huddled together in the House of Representatives chamber. The footage, obtained by NBC News via a records request, was presented as evidence during the trial of one of the rioters, Damon Beckley.

The video, shot from Beckley's perspective, captures the alarming sight of insurrectionists standing just feet away from two members of Congress behind shattered glass outside the House chamber. The lawmakers in question are identified as then-Representative Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma) and Representative Troy Nehls (R-Texas), who was wearing a Texas flag-adorned surgical mask. In the video, Nehls can be heard having exchanges with some of the rioters.

Nehls, a former sheriff of Fort Bend County, Texas, shared his shock and disappointment, stating, "I've been in law enforcement in Texas for 30 years, and I've never had people act this way. I'm ashamed!"

The video captures the intense confrontation between the rioters and the lawmakers, with profane language and threats being hurled at Nehls and Mullin. One rioter can be heard shouting that there would be a "bigger Civil War and a lot of bloodshed" if the election results were not overturned. Another participant in the chaos screamed, "they can only kill so many of us!"

Beckley, whose voice is also heard in the video, expressed his frustration, saying, "I drove fourteen hours to get here and stood in the cold for three and a half hours to find out that Mike Pence is a f---ing traitor, man. And I voted for that f---ing dude. He could've done the right thing and certified those legislators, electors, and we wouldn't be standing here with a nine-millimeter pointed at me right now!"

When interviewed by NBC News, Nehls revealed his thought process during the confrontation, stating, "I am going to stay right here with my brothers and sisters in blue. I had my Texas mask on, and he looked at me through that broken glass and he said 'you're from Texas, you should be with us,' and at that point, I said 'no, sir, I cannot support what you're doing, this is criminal.'"

Although Nehls and Mullin found themselves caught in this dangerous situation, it should be noted that both lawmakers have been on record supporting the cause of the insurrectionists. Along with others, they voted against certifying the 2020 Electoral College results, as reported by The New York Times.

The release of this video provides further evidence of the chaotic and alarming events that unfolded on January 6th, highlighting the proximity between the insurrectionists and elected officials. As investigations and legal proceedings continue, the nation reflects on the lasting impact of this dark chapter in American history.