WASHINGTON, D.C. – The World looked on in awe and shock as violent seditionists and rioters taking direction from Donald Trump set upon the United States Capitol building Wednesday, taking over offices, injuring police and daring anyone to stop them.
The trouble reached a crescendo Wednesday after Republicans appeared to lose the Senate to Democrats the night before and Donald Tump took to a podium in Washington and whipped his salivating, bewildered followers into a frenzy. By afternoon, the demonstrators had turned into rioters and seditionists who committed serious crimes in storming the United States Capitol building. They broke windows, harmed police, invaded the offices of lawmakers and caused the National Guard to be called up. The crowd had not totally dispersed by the time of publication this evening.
Iowa’s delegation in Congress escaped the madness and chaos as the nation’s elected body of Representatives and Senators performed a ceremonial duty in certifying the Electoral College, which Joe Biden won easily over Trump on November 3, 2020.
Senator Joni Ernst, who survived a brutal re-election campaign in November herself, said, “I served in uniform to defend the right to peaceful protest. What’s happening at the Capitol right now is not peaceful nor a protest. It’s anarchy, & a betrayal of the American ideals we all hold dear. My staff and I are safe. Thanks to Capitol Police for your selfless work.”
Senator Charles Grassley said, “Today’s violent attack on the U.S. Capitol was an attack on American democracy itself. I condemn today’s violence in the strongest terms & perpetrators deserve to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I also thank Capitol Police for protecting our Capitol & staff.”
First District Rep. Ashley Hinson, freshly-elected to office in the same election Trump lost, said, “President Trump needs to address the nation and call for an end to this violence and disruption to our democratic process. This is not how we do business in the United States of America.”
Second District Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, also freshly-elected in an ultra-close election this past November and is still facing an unresolved challenge, said, “You can protest and be peaceful. Storming government buildings and attacking law enforcement officers is unacceptable. My staff and me are safe and sheltering in place.”
Third District Rep. Cindy Axne said, “My staff and I are safe. We are sheltering in place, awaiting more info as we learn that protesters have breached the Capitol. The US Capitol Police are protecting us. These people are attacking Congress at the invitation of @realDonaldTrump. Please sir, tell them to stop.”
Fourth District Rep. Randy Feenstra said, “It’s every American’s right to protest peacefully. Violence is never the answer. Thank you Capitol Police for working today & every day to keep us safe. If you or someone you know are a part of the protest, please remain peaceful & ask others to do the same. The world is watching.”
Donald Trump appeared to believe himself a victim in his political career today after igniting the lawlessness. After attempting re-election but losing by millions of votes to Joe Biden and reflecting on the day’s lawlessness (and at least one death, so far), Trump tweeted, “These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long. Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!”
Trump’s tweet was flagged for risk of causing further violence.