Since the release of last year’s Presidential elections, the incumbent US President, Donald Trump, has refused to concede defeat. He stated during a press briefing that he would only step down upon Congress confirmation of his loss. And the process was scheduled for Wednesday 6th. However, on the same day, Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, causing mayhem. This incident forced the lawmakers in the building to evacuate to safer premises.
Attack on the Capitol
It was on Wednesday when Donald Trump supporters caused a melee at the Capitol. Reports stated that President Trump most likely initiated the rampage after inciting his supporters during a rally he held earlier the same day. As such, the incident left many perplexed and questioning whether Trump was fit to complete his time in power.
Amid the tragedy, a Capitol police officer succumbed after sustaining severe injuries while trying to stop the protestors from entering the building. According to witnesses, the officer was physically engaging with the mob, so he received a thorough beating. Therefore, upon returning to his division, he collapsed, and his colleagues rushed him to the hospital. He then passed away the following day while in the hospital. Other than the officer, there were other casualties. The officers also shot a woman, who was also part of the demonstrating mob.
Because of the unbecoming events, the Capitol rescheduled its activities, and thus lawmakers will not resume duty until the newly elected President’s inauguration.
Reactions Due to the Attack
The incident sparked mixed reactions among the state leaders and the country at large. The members of the Senate regarded Trump as a threat to the peace of their country. Nancy Pelosi, the House Speaker, stated that having Trump in power for the remaining days could be “a horror show for America.” Similarly, Chuck Schumer, the Senate Democratic Leader, redressed that the Capitol’s attack was ” an insurrection against the United States incited by the President. He concluded that Trump should not continue staying in office.
As the two were convinced that President Trump had a role to play in the heinous act, they demanded his removal from power. The two, Pelosi and Schumer, called on the Senate to invoke the 25th amendment of the constitution. Meanwhile, Pelosi also stated that she had tried to contact Vice President Mike Spence on Thursday to discuss the matter, but was somewhat unavailable. Nonetheless, one member of the Republican Party joined the committee to discuss the issue.
Pelosi said that if Trump’s administration continues to un-avail themselves, the cabinet will have to kick him out mainly since the procedure permits the cabinet and the Vice President to impeach him.
Facebook and Instagram also took to banning President Trump from their platforms. This was after Twitter had banished him the previous day. The reason behind such precautions is to prevent any possible unrest by Trump. Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, released a statement saying that Trump’s recent actions indicate he is trying to use his remaining time in office to undermine the peaceful transition of power.
Moreover, due to the attack, high-rank officers of the Capitol lost their jobs. They resigned after Schumer and Pelosi accused them of failing to protect the Capitol. However, Sund, the Capitol’s ex-police chief, stated that the officers had acted valiantly despite the violent riotous mob’s ambush.
Nonetheless, despite Trump’s electoral fraud claims, the election officials and the former attorney general remain optimistic that the elections were free and fair; as such, nothing would change the outcome.
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