Capitol Rioters Brought to Justice
SABRINA TANG (News Editor) CHARLOTTE SHAO (Copy Editor)
As much of the world watched through a screen, a mob of Trump-supporting rioters infiltrated the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6 at approximately 1 p.m. (EST). The event halted what was to be Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’s vote confirmation in the House of Representatives chamber.
The events leading up to the riot are indicative of the ensuing chaos. The morning before the count, thousands of Trump-supporters had gathered at The Ellipse, a park south of the White House to hear Trump and several of his allies continue contesting the results of the election. Around noon, Trump addressed the crowd.
“We will never give up. We will never concede . . .we’re going to walk down to the Capitol,” Trump said.
Around noon (EST), rioters began marching toward the Capitol where, according to ABC News, only Capitol police were stationed. Just after the clock struck 1 p.m, as Representatives began vote-counting, explosives were found outside the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and Republican National Committee (RNC) headquarters.
USA Today reports that around 2 p.m, insurrectionists breached multiple entrances by breaking down barricades and doors, as well as shattering windows. The rioters marched through the building and into the chamber as Representatives were forced to seek refuge by sheltering under their desks, chairs and other furniture.
Law enforcement agencies began arriving at the scene and using tear gas and other methods to assuage the havoc. The New York Times reports that participants began dispersing at 6 p.m.
The FBI is identifying the rioters through social media posts many rioters made of themselves at the capitol. The FBI has also issued a call for help in identifying more rioters for arrest.
“We are accepting tips and digital media depicting rioting or violence in and around the U.S. Capitol on January 6,” an FBI tweet said.
Some key arrests, according to CNN:
Richard Barnett of Arkansas was arrested two days after the riot. He was photographed sitting at a desk in House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office and rummaged through her desk.
Larry Rendell Brock, a retired Air Force Reserve officer from Texas was arrested on Jan. 10. He was seen carrying zip ties inside the Capitol Building.
Jacob Anthony Chansley, the shirtless bearskin horn wearing man, was arrested on Jan 9. Painted in red, white and blue paint, he carried a blade, American flag and a spear approximately six feet in length.
Adam Johnson, who allegedly stole the House Speaker’s lectern, was arrested days after the riot. The lectern has since been returned. It is not clear whether he intended to sell it or not, but ABC News notes that the lectern is worth around $1,000.
Kevin Seefried, the man photographed carrying a Confederate flag, was arrested on Jan. 14. This was the first sighting of a Confederate flag inside the Capitol Building in all of American history.
Five deaths have been confirmed after the riot. These include police officer Brian Sicknick who was struck in the head with a fire extinguisher while attempting to hold back the rioters and Ashli Babbitt, an air-force veteran from San Diego who was shot by a Capitol police officer while attempting to break into the Senate chamber.
Despite unexpected conditions, the House reconvened later that night to ensure the votes were confirmed. Proceedings lasted until 3:40 a.m. Biden’s win was later confirmed on Jan. 7, despite the insurrection.
Many of Trump’s cabinet members and supporters in the Capitol have resigned, such as Betsey DeVos, secretary of education, and Chad Wolf, acting secretary of homeland security. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, Trump’s former acting Chief of Staff, Mick Mulvaney, Deputy National Security Adviser Matthew Pottinger, the first lady’s top aide Stephanie Grisham, and many others.
Following the events that occurred on Jan. 6, Nancy Pelosi announced a second attempt to impeach Trump on grounds of inciting an insurrection and garners support from her fellow Senators. According to the Washington Post, many Republican Senators are willing to side with the Democratic Senators. Many lawyers who defended Trump during his previous impeachment trial have also stated that they are not willing to defend him this time. The House of Representatives impeached Trump for the second time on Jan. 13 with a vote of 232 to 197 confirming his impeachment. Senate hearings to convict Trump are to commence the week of Feb. 8.
The inauguration ceremony on Jan. 20 was carried out smoothly with no intrusion. Joseph Robinetter Biden Jr. and Kamala Devi Harris were sworn in as the 46th President and Vice President of the United States.