As the fourth anniversary of the January 6 Capitol riot approaches, new scrutiny surrounds two unidentified men captured on video during pivotal moments that day. These men, who closely shadowed rioters and were present when Ashli Babbitt was fatally shot, remain a focal point of controversy and unanswered questions.
Key Figures Amidst the Chaos
Dubbed “Frick and Frack” by online commentators, these men followed rioters from the Capitol’s West Plaza to the Speaker’s Lobby, where Babbitt was shot. According to a Blaze News investigation, the duo also engaged in a secret meeting with U.S. Capitol Police shortly after the incident, sharing a video before the official investigation had even begun. This meeting, unrecorded by Capitol Police, raises questions about the transparency of the inquiry.
Who Are “Frick and Frack”?
Despite ample footage of their activities, the FBI has neither publicly identified the men nor included them in ongoing investigations. This inaction stands in stark contrast to the aggressive federal response to hundreds of others involved in the Capitol breach.
“What evil do you think he is up to?” an X user speculated, a sentiment shared by many on social media as the men remain at large. Sedition Hunters, an online group tracking January 6 participants, claims the FBI “knows exactly who these two men are,” yet no charges or arrests have been made.
Frick, appearing to be in his mid-50s, and Frack, estimated to be about 35, actively engaged with rioters, even assisting their ascent up Capitol barricades and scaffolding. Video evidence shows their deliberate participation in events the DOJ has categorized as “riotous” in other cases.
Unrecorded Testimony and a Controversial Meeting
Following the fatal shooting of Babbitt at 2:44 p.m., Frick and Frack met with Capitol Police at a South Barricade location. Video footage shows one of the men sitting in an unmarked squad car with officers while sharing his video. This interview was not documented, and the nature of the footage remains unclear.
In a supplemental report from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the meeting is mentioned briefly: “The witness showed the special agent a video clip and provided a copy of the file.” This description has done little to satisfy critics, who argue the lack of detailed records undermines trust in the investigation.
The Ashli Babbitt Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The shooting of Ashli Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran, by Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd was ruled a homicide by the D.C. Medical Examiner. Yet, the Department of Justice declined to press charges against Byrd, who claimed he acted out of fear for his safety. Babbitt’s family, represented by Judicial Watch, has since filed a $30 million wrongful death lawsuit against the U.S. government. The suit has ignited fresh debates about the events surrounding her death, with Judicial Watch alleging the government is withholding critical information.
The Bigger Picture: Federal Response Under Scrutiny
With over 1,600 arrests related to the January 6 riots, the contrasting treatment of Frick and Frack has raised eyebrows. Federal prosecutors have aggressively pursued cases involving minor infractions, yet the two men have not been charged despite evidence implicating them in significant acts of incitement.
“Why do you assume they are not Trump supporters?” one Sedition Hunters post stated.
Lingering Questions Remain
As Judicial Watch advances its lawsuit and investigative footage continues to surface, Frick and Frack’s roles on January 6 remain shrouded in mystery. Their involvement, paired with the apparent leniency shown toward them, has left many questioning the integrity of the ongoing investigations.
The FBI and DOJ have reiterated their commitment to prosecuting January 6 participants, but whether this includes Frick and Frack remains to be seen.
