As I write, dozens of pro-Trump protesters have stormed the U.S. Capitol building, interrupting Congress’s joint session to certify the Electoral College’s results. They tore down barriers outside of the Capitol, threw objects at police officers, and forced their way into the building, where they gathered outside the Senate chamber.
Police officers are holding them steps away from the Senate chamber, which is locked. Senators are inside. I see a few confederate flags. pic.twitter.com/YI7X7KmuUG
— Igor Bobic (@igorbobic) January 6, 2021
Outside the Capitol, which is now on lockdown.
?: @EvyMages pic.twitter.com/4ZMV9OSxLl
— Washingtonian (@washingtonian) January 6, 2021
Whoa: Trump supporters going at it with the police on the steps of the Capitol as Congress counts the Electoral College ballots inside pic.twitter.com/LiQhaa5KkQ
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) January 6, 2021
To say this is a national disgrace would be an understatement. This is reprehensible, unpatriotic behavior coming from, of all places, supporters of the party that claims to be better.
These are the very same people who denounced this summer’s riots as an affront to our democracy and condemned Democrats for refusing to act against the leftists who looted businesses and destroyed property. But now that it’s their turn to protest, these pro-Trump supporters are using the very same tactics they condemned.
The Republican Party is supposed to be the party of order and the rule of law. These out-of-control protesters, whipped into a frenzy by none other than President Trump’s claims of a rigged election, do not represent the GOP and must be held accountable. Every single person who broke the law should be arrested and prosecuted. Let them serve as an example as to how bad-faith actors looking to create chaos will be treated, no matter which political party they support.
