The Capital Invasion: First Breach in 200 Years

By Karina Jarrin ('24)

The 2020 Election

As of December 14, 2020, numerous news channels confirmed that Joe Biden would be the 46th president of the United States. Ever since Donald Trump has continued to deny that he had lost the election and claims it to be “stolen from us” and that the votes were counted incorrectly. Because of how Trump claims there are “illegal votes” and “late votes” he would have “easily won the election,” as stated by news channels such as CNN. He even went as far as to pressure Mike Pence to block Biden’s election certification. But even so, Joe Biden has come out with more electoral votes at 306 and Donald Trump at 232.

Seeing the Signs

Several times during live reports and broadcasts, Trump left behind small-but heard-messages to his supporters on trying to “get America back.” Many of his supporters gathered in front of the Capitol, demanding to keep Trump in office. Trump spreading lies throughout the pandemic about how the election was “rigged” and “stolen” were also the small sparks to start a bonfire of rage throughout his supporters.

Even before the official confirmation of Biden becoming the 46th president, Trump was declaring ludicrous statements and threatening the laws along the lines of “going against the Constitution” to remain in office. He even claimed that he wanted to serve more than eight years! 

Supporter Rage

According to New York Times, before the riot had even started, the Capitol was undergoing the certification of Biden becoming the 46th president of the United States. Because of how Trump was influencing his supporters to help him “take back America,” the rioters believed the best course of action would be to interrupt the certification. 

At approximately 1:00 PM, when the riot started, the State Officials and members of Congress were evacuated, seeing as their safety was at risk. With the unending amount of protestors, security guards and police officials could not have stopped the rioters before they had called the military for back up. According to NBC4 Washington, at least 20 Capitol police officials had caught COVID-19. To this day, we still do not know how many individuals have caught COVID. 

During the riot, doors were broken down and windows smashed while Trump supporters’ live-streamed the chaos. According to CNN, about 50% were not wearing masks and another 20% were seen abusing officers with American flags and the flag poles. Many Americans were seen taking pictures with statues, inside the Senate chamber, and even inside the offices of representatives. 

According to CNN, Biden had called Trump on live TV to have his supporters get out of the Capitol and to “go home.” With this, Trump went on live TV and addressed the riots, stating, “I know it’s not fair, but we need to be peaceful, even if they aren’t with us. It’s time to go home.” This had struck many people watching the chaos at home. Comparing the Black Lives Matter protests to the Capitol riots made it clear to the American people what a peaceful protest is and what isn’t. 

Many are upset at the hypocrisy with police forces and protests. Black Lives Matter protesters immediately get tear-gassed, shot down, beat, etc. In contrast, the Capitol protesters had their hands held by the police when they were escorted after the riots. There were no signs of the immense brutality BLM protesters received when the police force handled the riot situation.