The Conversation (0)
Sirena Bergman
Jan 06, 2021
Earlier today a mob of pro-Trump rioters stormed the Capitol in Washington DC to protest Trump’s loss in the November election.
Tens of thousands of people – many carrying signs and wearing garments with Trump’s name on them – gathered around the Washington monument as Congress prepared to certify the election result despite Trump’s repeated unfounded claims of voter fraud.
The president has since continued to rile his base, telling them in numerous rallies and tweets to fight for the result to be overturned.
Congress was forced to halt, with lawmakers being evacuated for their own protection. One woman has reportedly been shot and is in critical condition, although no further context is known regarding the shooting.
The US Capitol is now on lockdown, and the National Guard has reportedly been deployed to contain the mob.
Meanwhile online people have expressed shock and dismay at the scenes unfolding.
Many shared photos and videos from DC.
View from inside the Capitol as people gather on the West Front. The Capitol is currently on lockdown. https://t.co/XKNKWNbHxZ— Caroline Brehman (@Caroline Brehman) 1609959899
We are back in cannon. This is what’s happening at the steps of the Capitol, which isn’t allowed to have people https://t.co/ecY2MsIb1g— Leigh Ann Caldwell (@Leigh Ann Caldwell) 1609960131
BREAKING: #Trump Supporters Break Glass windows at Capitol, trying to storm in. Building on lockdown, session in… https://t.co/CDbwtCBnmI— Joyce Karam (@Joyce Karam) 1609961351
BREAKING. Mob of Trump supporters swarm the media near the US Capitol. They yell what Trump frequently says, “the m… https://t.co/VWgHywM6Ps— Shomari Stone (@Shomari Stone) 1609970904
Incredible Getty photos from inside the Capitol https://t.co/IN2rRcsOg5— David Mack (@David Mack) 1609963893
Both President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have tweeted calling for an end to violence.
The violence and destruction taking place at the US Capitol Must Stop and it Must Stop Now. Anyone involved must re… https://t.co/ZlHvU6wXBW— Mike Pence (@Mike Pence) 1609965302
While it’s better than saying nothing, most people couldn’t help but make the point that it’s way too little too late, given it’s the president’s actions since he lost the election which have stoked tensions. Those who have previously supported him also received criticism.
I'm disgusted that donald trump has continued to spread the conspiracy theories that fueled this violence during th… https://t.co/Yolk6wInpP— beth ashley (@beth ashley) 1609968163
In a video - which I am not going to post - Trump tells supporters the election was "stolen" from him. Lightly men… https://t.co/8SsdzG0F7H— Amy Siskind 🏳️🌈 (@Amy Siskind 🏳️🌈) 1609968878
@BorisJohnson 'Disgraceful scenes in U.S. Congress. ' You forgot this bit - 'brought about by @realDonaldTrump'— Jonquil (@Jonquil) 1609968541
Gloria Borger just quoted a 'friend' of Trump who said he is 'disgusted' by this and that the president 'incited' i… https://t.co/AYr98cilrj— Mehdi Hasan (@Mehdi Hasan) 1609969396
Democratic lawmakers condemned the mob, as well as the president himself, with some calling for impeachment aas a result.
I am drawing up Articles of Impeachment. Donald J. Trump should be impeached by the House of Representatives & re… https://t.co/wRoRDopWYL— Ilhan Omar (@Ilhan Omar) 1609969088
.@SenSchumer and I are calling on President Trump to demand that all protestors leave the U.S. Capitol and Capitol… https://t.co/z0jTluofAu— Nancy Pelosi (@Nancy Pelosi) 1609966517
It's a little late for that. Don't you think? https://t.co/Yp8XuEvvuM— Chuck Schumer (@Chuck Schumer) 1609965443
This is on Donald Trump, period. He called folks to D.C. and gave them marching orders. He needs to be impeached and removed immediately.— Rashida Tlaib (@Rashida Tlaib) 1609970065
People called for Trump’s Twitter account to be deleted, given he is known for using the platform to spread misinformation.
Really want to understand why Twitter refuses to delete Trump’s account despite having to put a warning under almost everything he tweets— Precious Adesina (@Precious Adesina) 1609968820
hey @twitter time to delete trump’s account— eleanor (@eleanor) 1609969063
And many pointed out the difference compared to how the Black Lives Matter protests were dealt with.
notice the fucking difference??? one person shot, no one arrested during VIOLENT trump protests. over 19 deaths and… https://t.co/U2M7r9DuCu— suhani⁷ | 43 45 (@suhani⁷ | 43 45) 1609970101
see if you can tell which one was the Black Lives Matter protest https://t.co/e9fsik2FEz— Michael Tannenbaum (@Michael Tannenbaum) 1609963774
This was the preparation for a Black Lives Matter peaceful protest this summer. Members of the National Guard were… https://t.co/cIIx2SFQ0r— Linsey Davis (@Linsey Davis) 1609965964
The DC Mayor is calling for law and order. Where was she at when BLM and Antifa was destroying DC over the summer?— Diamond and Silk® (@Diamond and Silk®) 1609969975
At the time of writing, the riots continue, with president-elect Joe Biden referring to it as “an insurrection” and continued calls on Trump to finally concede the election and call on his supporters to back a peaceful transition of power.