5 Declared Dead Following the 2021 Capitol Storming
- from Jada Jenkins
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- Cornell High School
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On January 6, 2021, history was made when rioters stormed the United States Capitol building in a brutal attack against the 117th United States Congress. The attack was carried out by Trump supporters in an attempt to overturn his 2020 presidential election loss. This dark day for America resulted in the evacuation and lockdown of the Capitol, as well as five deaths.
It took no more than an hour for the rioters, bearing Trump flags and clothing, to gather, overtake police, and breach the Capitol Building. The pro-Trump mob stormed the U.S. Capitol Building, breaking windows, attacking police, and ransacking lawmakers’ offices.
The morning of the Capitol breach Trump spoke to his supporters at a rally outside of the White House. Thousands of supporters cheered as he voiced his claims of election fraudulence. Trump’s accusation of election fraud lacked evidence, and to this day, Trump has yet to show any proof to back his bold accusations.
“We will not let them silence your voices,” Trump told the rioters. "We’re going to walk down Pennsylvania Avenue. I love Pennsylvania Avenue, and we’re going to the Capitol," Trump said. The speech began at 11 a.m., and by 1:47 p.m., the rioters had surrounded the capitol and began their clash with authorities.
America watched anxiously on social media as thousands of Pro-Trump rioters overwhelmed authorities and breached the Capitol. By 2:20, both chambers of Congress suspended the debate for the count regarding Electoral College votes for the presidency.
Members of Congress were told to wear gas masks and lock themselves in their offices as authorities threw tear gas into the Capitol Rotunda. By 3 p.m., the mob was able to breach the lawmakers' offices, ransacking the rooms, and breaking furniture.
It wasn’t until after someone was shot by police that Trump released a video asking for the “very special” mob to stop. “I know your pain,” Trump empathized. “I know your hurt, but you have to go home now.” The mob however didn’t settle, in fact, authorities found an explosive device near the Capitol. Thankfully, the explosive was stabilized and deemed harmless before any more lives could be lost.
President-elect Joe Biden urged Trump to go on national television and end the violent attacks on the U.S. Capitol. “This is not dissent, it’s disorder. It’s chaos,” Biden affirmed. "The words of a President matter, no matter how good or bad that president is. At their best, the words of a President can inspire. At their worst, it can incite,” Biden stated.
Finally, authorities were able to attain some control over the mob, and by 5:30 p.m. authorities declared the Capitol secure. Many supporters remained on the streets in defiance, but by now the physical violence of the breach had ended. Officials reported 30 people were arrested that evening after being found after the 6 p.m, curfew.
On January 13, 2021, the House voted for the second impeachment of Donald Trump due to this incitement of the deadly breach; the vote being 232 to197. The vote to impeach the President just before he is set to leave reflects many American’s and lawmakers' deep anger and betrayal at Trump's move to challenge the election fraud. It’s important to note Trump’s bold claim that thousands deemed worthy of domestic terrorism has still yet to be backed by evidence.
Image from abcnews.go.com
Leah Millis/Reuters