Hi Reader,

As a reader of ProPublica, I know you come to us for the kind of well-researched, nonpartisan, investigative journalism that you can’t get anywhere else. A recent project we did on the January 6th insurrection is a great example of the kind of innovative work we’re known for.

Right after the assault on the Capitol, ProPublica got its hands on 2,500 videos posted by users to the now-offline social media site Parler. Rather than finding one or two of the most newsworthy to highlight as many other newsrooms did (some very well, to be sure), we decided to publish all of the interesting videos that were shot in and around the building that day. More than 50 members of our newsroom — programmers, designers, data-crunchers, editors and more — combed through the trove and selected 500 videos we published in an interactive database with two accompanying explanatory articles.

Within days, the videos were played by more than a million readers, internet sleuths and apparently even the FBI, who began filing affidavits in support of arrests, drawing on images from our interactive.

We didn’t stop there. We continue to investigate the insurrection, from the voices of frontline Capitol Police about their bosses’ “disastrous response,” to focusing on still-unanswered questions regarding why the insurrectionists were handled so differently than the BLM protesters, to an upcoming documentary with our partners at Frontline. Airing in April, the film digs deeper into the Boogaloo Bois, a right-wing faction notable for their commitment to overthrow the U.S. government, their military training, and their criminal histories.

These projects represent how powerful and wide-reaching journalism can be when published in the public interest. Shining a light on the facts, making events as transparent as we can, holding people to account — these are at the foundation of everything we do at ProPublica. Nothing will change our mission, no matter what’s happening or who’s in power.

Help us continue this critical work by joining us today with your donation at any amount. Our spring member drive is well under way, we’ve heard from over 200 donors these last couple of days, and I’d love to count you as well. Journalism for the people is also powered by the people, and we’re counting on you to stand with us.

Thanks so much,
Jill Shepherd
Proud ProPublican