Last year, after the attack on the Capitol and attempt to overturn a legitimate election, The Abingtonian collected written responses from students. We decided to re-post these responses in light of the ongoing investigations into this attack on Democracy in America. Want to add your voice? Send an email to [email protected].

Along with the responses, it is worth noting a simple but important fact: The election was not “stolen” or “taken away from us,” as former President Trump stated that day (and hundreds of other times). Biden clearly defeated Trump in the election, and Trump and the majority of Republicans (147 members of Congress) sought to overturn the election.

Student responses:

Horrified, I feel there is too much I can say about yesterday. My horror at how easily so many can be manipulated or just brought to such illegal extremes. As I watched the news for hours I couldn’t even rationalize people’s choices, I couldn’t understand how people think it was right to physically assault the capitol about a subject proven time and time again to be solved. It is sad to see how only now do people openly question and state how Trump is not fit to lead from his selfishness and unstable mental state he has had his entire presidency. It is also discouraging from learning over the past four years the political divide of our country has risen to such a state. In many people’s minds the other political side can only be seen as radical and wrong, this has happened to me where I can only see what I thought was the minority extremists as the majority as their actions and words are all I can see. – Jagger Mackenzie

The riots yesterday were disgusting and disgraceful. I am appalled at the actions of the Trump supporters and disgusted that they were allowed to enter our Capitol and be violent with only 13 people arrested. At the BLM protests, thousands of people were arrested and there was more violence from the police. Yesterday was proof of white privilege and I am shocked at how the situation was handled in comparison to the BLM protests in the summer. The way Trump responded to his supporters storming the Capital was awful and I think he should be impeached and removed as president immediately. His video on twitter addressing his supporters and telling them to go home, sounded like a mother talking to their toddler pleading them to stop having a meltdown. He called people storming the Capitol “special” and said he “loved them” which is mind blowing in itself. Overall, the events from yesterday were embarrassing. – Ysabel Lowery

I believe that it was horrifying, tons of hypocrisy. Tear gas, rubber bullets, and beating in the streets for the Black Lives Matters protesters but those who stormed into the capitol building and forcefully pushed past and hit the cops got to walk out peacefully. It is truly disgusting, the same people who were saying Blue Lives Matter were pushing past the police and being violent towards them. I am genuinely ashamed to be an American right now it is insane. And they did all of this because he lost the election. – Haley Mancini

I think it was horrible and should never happen but yet it did.  I don’t stand for ACAB because I strongly disagree with that and the people who think ACAB is true, but I don’t think the police handled it well. People say that this wasn’t like a BLM protest, when I honestly don’t agree. Both parties have rioted and did damage to this country. Don’t get me wrong, I hate Trump, but I’m also not a fan of Biden. There’s a reason why it’s “Settle For Biden”. While yes we can protest, we can’t be rioting. The people that riot are just as bad as the cops who killed George Floyd. That includes some BLM protesters, as well as the Trump protesters. I hate the phrase Trumpie because I feel like that’s what someone gets called when they don’t 100% agree with liberal terms. I think people need to be more respectful and better listeners to each other. If we just listened to what others had to say, then we’d understand where they are coming from. That’s my piece of mind on this whole situation, long story short, stop the fighting and come together on a common goal. – Wyatt Meyers

I feel disgusted about what happened yesterday at the Capitol Building. America has never been this divided in my life. What happened yesterday was a very clear showcase of white privilege and supremacy. If the people there had been POC storming the building, we all know what would have happened. Not only did Donald Trump encourage this, he decided not to do anything about it. In other words, Mike Pence had to deploy the National Guard, and Donald Trump didn’t even speak until after President-Elect Biden. Trump said, “Go home, we love you,” but tweeted back in June about how Black Lives Matter protesters should get 10+ years in prison. He also said, “When the looting starts, the shooting starts,” despite multiple people stealing things like Nancy Pelosi’s mail (which is a federal crime, may I add), and even a podium from the building! Donald Trump continued to say during his speech how this election was fraudulent and stolen, even after these claims were disputed and proved wrong. I have never seen a president so immature and although he eventually conceded, he continues to spread false claims to his followers. Shirts were made with the date of January 6, 2021 thus proving that this attack of terrorism was planned. The woman who was shot and killed flew into Washington D.C. from San Diego, which proves there is absolutely no way she could’ve just “been in the neighborhood.” Because of Donald Trump’s actions, four people lost their lives. However, it was their choice to go to the Capitol Building and therefore they should take responsibility for their deaths, in my opinion. This was planned. This was not an accident. If you look at the videos, the police basically LET THE TERRORISTS IN THE BUILDING. Senators had to hide and seek shelter. Many people feared for their lives yesterday. There is no excuse for what happened. Yesterday’s events were unforgettable, a disgrace, and flat out wrong. People will argue minors cannot have opinions on what is going on, due to them not being able to vote. I strongly disagree with this, due to the fact that I should know what is going on in my country. I come from a family of activists. My grandmother, Mary Walton, is a women’s rights activist. I recognize my white privilege. To people out there who deny and deny and deny that white supremacy and privilege exists, take a look at what happened yesterday. Innocent people were murdered at BLM protests. ONE person was murdered yesterday, because of her own fault. She chose to go and get in the faces of the police officers. She chose to break the windows, encourage the defacing of our building, and her death was her fault. I am outraged at the actions of the police yesterday. Where was the tear gas and rubber bullets used on BLM protesters? Nobody will hold anyone accountable. These things need to be talked about. Systematic racism needs to be talked about. White supremacy needs to be talked about. – Sydney Heuges

What happened yesterday was absolutely disgusting. If the BLM movement ever did that they would all get shot and tear gassed; there is no way that it would have been how it was yesterday if it was involved with POC. The Trump supporters breaking in and not getting shot at with rubber bullets and or tear gassed? Like, police where is the tear gas? Where are the rubber bullets? Where is the law and order? Some police were taking pictures with people that broke into the capital instead of fighting them and shooting them like the police did during the BLM movement protests. They are grown adults who should know better than this. Also not to mention all the Trump supporters made videos during the BLM marches saying how we don’t see Trump supporters tearing things down or causing huge issues but they are tearing down the capitol. – Maggie Wasekanes

During the BLM protests, the protesters were named “thugs” and “criminals,” but now that the protestors are Trump supporters, they are seen as “patriots.” The national guard lined the Capitol building during the BLM protests, but after Trump had called his supporters to the Capitol, it was very easily infiltrated. The protesters for the most part were kept safe and there were not many casualties, unlike the BLM protests. During the BLM protests, the National Guard surrounded the streets and shot and tear gassed protesters, but now that the protesters are supporters of President Trump, the Pentagon had refused to deploy national aid and did not do anything about it for a period of time. In President Trump’s video addressing the protests, he did not denounce any of the events whatsoever but continued to speak on how the election was fraudulent and stolen from him. Although it may not be appropriate to say, I believe that this attack was planned to cause the most chaos before Trump has to leave office. It was an immature move, and the protesters who so proudly chant America’s name should be ashamed of themselves. The fact of the matter is that the infiltration of America’s capitol building was a cowardly attack and retaliation for not winning the 2020 election.  – Emily Medwid

I’m honestly disgusted by what happened on Wednesday. First things first, I have no clue why the Trump supporters in the Capitol thought it was a good idea to BREAK INTO one of the most important buildings in American history since it’s where our country makes laws. The capital hasn’t been broken into since 1812. The majority of these people were older white people and they were all using force to break into capitol hill; if these were POC protesters there would have been so many more deaths. But since they were white they thought it was fine. Back in June at the BLM movement protests police were in full-body gear attacking these protesters and even killing some but since they were white Trump supporters, the police even let some by. It’s so unfair to the families who lost their children, parents, sibling, etc. to police brutality. Also, these Trump supporters were all about “Blue Lives Matter” but were yelling at the police and attacking them. It’s obviously clear that they just don’t want to say “Black Lives Matter”. Also, these people are so proud of being an American and they’re stealing stuff from the capital and taking selfies with it. They’re so proud of committing treason. – Anonymous

I feel that the events that happened on Wednesday were embarrassing and unnecessary. I think it was embarrassing for the people who felt the need to attempt a coup in the US capitol. I think it was embarrassing for the President and government officials for the way they handled the events as they were happening. I understand they are arresting people now, however, at the moment they should have handled it better and it should have never happened.   I think that based on the way the BLM protests went down over the summer, I would assume that when something of the same nature would happen it would be handled the same way and with the same urgency. I think it is embarrassing that for the past two days this is all people around the world have seen about the US and we as a nation should feel embarrassed that it happened. I think that the people who did this seriously need to consider if the coup was necessary and if they accomplished anything. I think they need to recognize their wrongs and be punished. The reason they stormed the capitol is because Donald Trump lost the election. I find it crazy how someone loses a presidential election every four years, but nothing like this has happened from the losers’ supporters before. – Anna Quinto

I felt really shocked and disgusted that the attack on Capitol Hill even happened. The situation wasn’t handled properly and there wasn’t enough security around. I think that these events showed the hypocrisy of the Trump supporters that showed up. If POC or BLM supporters were protesting, then the police definitely would’ve been harsher and used violent methods, like tear gassing. Many of the rioters at Capitol Hill came because they couldn’t accept that Trump lost the election, and I find it unbelievable that someone’s political views or idol could influence them to do such a heinous act. – Cindy Fu

Personally, I think the way that the situation was handled was very unprofessional. I’ve seen videos of the police opening up barricades to let a group of protesters closer to the building. Compared to how the police dealt with the BLM Protests earlier last year, I think there is a very apparent difference in treatment. Even during the more peaceful protests last year, there was so much unnecessary force used to instill fear. The police seemed to be more supportive of people storming a government building than people fighting for their own rights. – Anonymous

It was astonishing to see what occurred and I am filled with shame towards our country.  It has now become embarrassing to live in America.  The difference between the actions of law enforcement during the BLM protests and the events that happened Wednesday may be what shocked me the most.  What was seen was the act of white supremacists and Nazis while the BLM protests were mainly filled with just regular citizens.  Most of the protests were completely peaceful while the events from Wednesday were acts violence and due to them being mad that Trump lost the election. Congress people had to be evacuated and were in danger for their lives.  The events that occurred was an act of terrorism.  Where was the tear gas and rubber bullets then, when the capitol was stormed for the first time since 1812?  That was the time we truly needed it.  It was disappointing to see that there was barely any law enforcement at the capitol and that it took the National Guard so long to show up.   Many of the people involved showed great disrespect to our country reading and going through government officials’ belongings and bragging about it.  Also Donald Trump’s actions or lack thereof was a testament to show how incredibly unfit he is for his position. – Maeve Cairns

My thoughts about yesterday were ‘This is an absolute disgrace”. This country is becoming the opposite of what it used to represent. The ideals that immigrants valued about America are being shadowed by infighting by the people that are supposed to protect its citizens. I spoke to an Israeli woman yesterday, and she stated that ‘I’m leaving America because it’s not what I thought it was.” She went home to receive her vaccine for the Covid-19 because she felt unsafe in America for its failure to properly handle the pandemic. This pandemic was an example of the failures that our government tells us it’s successful in.  – Mehki Lewis

It is quite worrying that we had an armed revolt at the capital. It shows a much broader problem with the political divide in America. – Anthony Lubiski

I thought it was crazy that the United States is supposed to be one of the most powerful countries in the world yet people/rioters were able to just get past security and directly walk and break into the United States Capitol, a GOVERNMENT Building, with no trouble. And all I saw officers do was push back the crowd a little bit and use some tear gas to combat the aggressive crowds. But like a month ago when people were actually safely protesting for a cause, there was rubber bullet, tasers, and a hefty amount of tear gas used. – Anonymous

The act of taking a legislative building like the capitol by force is an act of domestic terror. It is not an act of support of a political party, and in fact undermines the entire concept of a democracy. A democracy is based on the will of the people, and committing an act which is in such direct opposition to this idea as a means to protest a democratic election is in direct contradiction. I believe that this event should not be condoned by anyone, regardless of political affiliation. No matter what any individual thinks or believes politically, if they consider themselves a true supporter of freedom and democracy they should condemn the actions taken on Wednesday. In a political climate as divided as it currently is here in the United States, the worst option we have is to support an act that is in such direct opposition to democracy as using acts of terror to garner political support. If people see that they can commit acts like this and not only get away free of punishment but even receive praise and support from their political group, they will keep committing them. Acts of political violence could become a cruel game. A game where one act will just spawn two others in a standoff that never ends. One person has already died, and for what? Committing acts of domestic terror because you lost a democratic election is diametrically opposed with the same idea of democracy and freedom that this country is based on. You can’t win by trying to brute force your political ideas into the minds of others. If you see an opposing political party as such a threat to you personally as a human being that you are willing to die as an act of protest against it, maybe you should try to reconsider some of your political values. By the same token, retaliation is nearly just as bad. Somebody needs to be the better person eventually, and hopefully that eventually is now. Acts of violence as a means of counterattack only serve to fuel the same fires that caused the attacks last Wednesday. Terror should never be condoned, and doing so is always the worst option. – Padin Stein

Everyone has a right to feel how they want to feel and that they are entitled to their own opinions. That’s not exactly the problem here, whether I disagree or not. My problem is that people decided to act recklessly because THEY weren’t satisfied with fair results of an election. It’s absolutely ridiculous, ignorant and absurd. Not only that but if this was the BLM protest I truly wonder how many more lives would be removed from this world. This is what happens when you have too much privilege and choose to not use your common sense. – Alana Jackson

As a person that usually stands independent in politics, the events that occurred yesterday appalled me. I am embarrassed to be an American. The Republicans and Trump supporters stormed the capitol because they were too upset to admit that the voting outcome did not go their way. I am not here to judge anyone’s political views, but i will judge you if you are too immature to admit the truth and be violent because things don’t go your way.  The trump supporters that stormed the Capitol were the ones that were mad about the protests and rioting during The BLM movement. This is extremely hypocritical since they treated the Capitol building as a field trip. They stormed the building and were even taking pictures with the statues and in the chairs of the Congressmen. The Trump supporters called this “protesting” when this is the definition of rioting. I am also so disappointed in the police system. When the BLM movement was going on, the National Guard and police were everywhere. If you look at a picture  of the Capitol building during the BLM movement, there are officers on every single staircase. Unfortunately, yesterday, there were not as many officers protecting it. There are even videos that show officers encouraging the Trump supporters to go into the building. If the BLM movement would do something even close to this, there would most certainly be casualties. Police officers were holding people’s hands, walking them out of the building. If a BLM protester did this, there would 100 % be violence from the police. I would also like to add that Trump supporters don’t have the best reputation from the liberal and democratic community, and I do not understand why they would want to make themselves look even worse. These people call themselves Americans and say that they honor this country, but they are actually criminals and hypocrites.  America is beginning to look like a joke instead of a country. – Sofia Shagas

Initially, I didn’t care as much as I should’ve. However, after watching footage of the Capitol getting stormed and whatnot I actually had time to reflect on my feelings about it. I feel terrible about people dying during the riots since those were people. I did see a video where someone did get shot, it was a woman trying to get through the barrier to some hall. When the shot happened people didn’t flee, people just recorded it. I saw no shock or empathy. It was just “omg let’s video record this event.” I feel like the whole fiasco could’ve been avoided since literally near the entrance was just gates held up by a minimal amount of officers VS a giant group that was slowly cascading into something bigger than people thought. Seeing the number of people that were there at the Capitol was just “Why.” I personally feel like there should’ve been more control to let the situation die down. During the BLM protests, there were rows of the national guard. During this on the other hand, no. I find it very sheep-like that many followers of a president who isn’t going to be in office for much longer storm the Capitol since Biden got elected. It sounds biased on my part but that’s how I see it. It’s strange to see how disorienting it is to see actual chaos. It’s not normal at all. I don’t normally pay attention to the news since I’m done with this country and its system, but this one event in particular just really set me off. After this event, I feel like there will be much more civil unrest as well. Lastly, I feel like this will be one of many events leading up to something, hopefully not a civil war but there’s so much division it may as well be happening as we speak. – Fiona Iannarelli

I was completely and utterly shocked by the events that went down yesterday. When I first heard about it I actually thought it was fake. However, when I went and turned on the news I slowly realized that it was completely serious. The events that took place were completely insane. I was angry at why those things would happen, and when I found out people were fatally harmed it caused me more anger on why events like these even have to happen. I can’t imagine political views leading someone to do something like this. The whole thought is insane. Personally, I stay neutral when it comes to politics because everyone is enabled to their own opinion, but things are starting to get out of hand. – Josh Eickoff

The events that happened yesterday were crazy and unnecessary.  If those were people of a different color, a lot more people then just one person would have died.  – Bryce Lexow

I think one of the causes of it is people not respecting each other’s various opinions anymore. Especially with the internet, where it’s so easy to lash out at each other without serious consequences. But these ideas when put on the internet can seriously influence other people’s mindsets too, and spreading false/misleading information is way too easy. I think that neither side really respects the other, like even though I personally don’t agree at all with many beliefs of more politically conservative people, it’s still their right to say whatever they want. And the people who participated in Wednesday’s events obviously were irrational and didn’t respect the opinions and even the truth, just because those things didn’t align with their opinions. What they did was absolutely unjustifiable, and it’s purely based on their ignorance and hate. I really think that people need to calm down and remember the basic constitutional principles of this country, and to just respect each other, and listen to each other without immediately dismissing contrasting ideas or even go as far to resort to violence and hurt innocent people. – Jessie Xin

If I were to sum up my feelings about Wednesday’s events in three words I would say I feel disappointed, embarrassed, and disgusted. My feelings of disappointment strongly relate to the actions of the police that day. When reflecting back on the precautions and actions taken by the police during the black lives matter protest, they acted with  strong aggression. Protesters were tear gassed, shot with rubber bullets, and even hit by the police when their reason for protesting was that men and women were murdered. They were trying to point out the injustices African American people have to endure and they were trying to change it.  On the other hand, the people who broke into the capitol were there because our selfish president threw a tantrum about losing the election and wanted his supporters to do something about it. These people marched to the capitol with no masks on, and forced their way into the capitol. They broke windows, they acted with violent behavior, and what was a trump rally quickly turned into a riot. It is shocking  that the leaders at the capitol did not anticipate something bad happening, which is why so little police were there. But of course they brought in the  army to guard the capitol when the BLM protests took place near there. As seen on social media platforms, the trump supporters not only broke into the capitol, but they also trashed offices, they stole government property, and they ran around like crazed animals. And in these videos and pictures, I did not see the same actions be taken by police that they took during the BLM protests. It is disappointing that the police treated this situation differently than the BLM protest. It infuriates me that Trump supporters were treated the way they were while breaking into a federal building all because they were blindly following words of a president who is clearly not fit to be our leader. I am aware that arrests are taking place now and justice is being served, but it is not okay that police treated these white people differently to those participating in the BLM protests. It is embarrassing that this is a representation of America. We are a democracy, and our government used to reflect something great. But now, America is a place I am deeply embarrassed to be in. I hope this dark day will open the eyes of Americans and urge the Republican party to change, or completely vanish as a political party. Those who broke into the capitol sullied our country with their trump and confederate that aren’t the symbol of America. They are dishonoring the founding men and women who worked hard to build America. It is disgusting that the trump supporters acted with such violence and did not receive the backlash BLM protesters did from police, and it is awful that these people risked the lives of others not only by breaking in and committing a crime, but by not wearing masks and risking giving people COVID. A lot of people around the world have been trying so hard to stay safe and front line workers have spent hours upon hours trying to stop the spread of this virus and heal those with it. It is so disrespectful to those who are risking their lives for us to stop the spread of COVID. – Luci Scarpello

The events that happened on Wednesday revealed the hypocrisy of Trump’s supporters from past events. I remember when the Black Lives Matter protests were going on over the summer, and when there were people taking advantage and rioting, they claimed how they would never commit those crimes when protesting, and disregarded the movement as a whole. Their protest did the exact same thing, except even worse because they attacked the capitol.  Even though the hypocrisy stings, I hate the fact that they mostly were able to get away with it (if they had been another race, most likely, they wouldn’t have gotten as far as they did.) They also didn’t receive as much consequence as people of color who have protested previously. For example, they weren’t pushed back as much, tased, tear-gassed, shot at, etc. I also didn’t understand the whole reasoning behind the attack. Why attack the capitol? If anything that only discouraged congressmen and women that were on their side. What did Trump think was going to happen? Another thing that feared me was the fact that they had confederate flags, that they were waving them (not the American flag) around the Capitol. I’m angry at that because that flag represents a time of hate and discrimination and they idolize it. – Anonymous

The events that occurred on Wednesday are something no one would even imagine happening, especially by American citizens. So much can happen because of their horrendous actions. These people acted out in anger and instead of handling it well, they decided to attack their own capitol building. This act of terrorism could lead to so many people getting hurt, not only did people get hurt in this riot, it shows other enemies that one of our most important buildings isn’t that hard to get in to. I am furious at the huge difference of action taken between a simple, peaceful protest for BLM, and the action taken of angry, armed, and dangerous Trump supporters. At the end of the day, it is OK to be saddened that the person you support has lost, but that does not, and will never give anyone the right to commit a federal crime. Most of these peoples actions were so disgusting, such as replacing the American flag with a trump flag, taking congress members’ belongings, just the fact that the confederate flag was taken inside of the US capitol is the most revolting act ANYONE can commit. I would hope after something like this the president would step up and act like an adult, but as of now nothing has changed. I will never understand that after all of these harmful actions the president has done or encouraged that anyone can still stand behind and respect him. – Kiersten Rau

My emotions really can not comprehend what happened yesterday. Trump gave these domestic terrorists the fuel and courage to attack the Capital. One thing that really I cannot get an answer to is why the police were not prepared enough. Nowhere near enough security at the Capitol knowing that there were threats from the Proud Boys before yesterday is insane. They had the guts to show their face to the world while breaking a federal law, knowing that they are pleasing the President and his lies about this election. They did not come to protest, they brought weapons and bullet proof vests to cause destruction. On May 29th, 2020 Trump stated that, ¨When the looting starts, the shooting starts¨ after BLM protest fought and protested against police brutality, but yesterday afternoon the President said, ¨Go home. We love you. You are very special people, I know how you feel.¨ Although I do not think rioting and looting is the answer to any problem, these two incidents are not comparable. – Molly Malone

I feel that this showed that it is not that difficult to overthrow the government if it was more organized and the people were smarter about it, they could have killed someone important.  And I also feel like Trump has committed sedition, he and the people have to be charged for something. America is showing itself to be so weak, also the picture with some important figures cowering in fear was not a good look. Those people who broke into the Capitol have to be charged with something, they can’t be able to just go back home like that. And the fact that Mike Pence is acting like he did not help cause this is annoying.  The fact that some police were shown to let people into the Capitol was very disturbing, and some police were taking pictures with these people while they were inside the Capitol, what in the world was that. 2021 looks like it’s off to a bad start. – Dayana Jagpat

I think that what happened yesterday was very hypocritical. The way cops treat white and POC was way too obvious. During the BLM protests a few months ago, PEACEFUL protesters were teargassed, so many were hurt, etc., however when the trump cult was breaking into the capitol, replacing the american flag with the trump 2020 flag, and destroying senators’ offices, etc., no one was stopping them, they weren’t wearing masks even though we’re in a pandemic, and suddenly blue lives don’t matter to them when it’s not going against black lives. Republicans also mentioned that if Biden won, there would be so many riots (which wasn’t true), however now that Trump has lost, the Trump supporters are the ones creating a huge riot and destroying things, and on top of that causing an increase of covid cases/deaths. – Phoebe Lee

I think it was wrong. My side stooped down to a level of morality I didn’t think was possible.  The thing that frustrates me is the people who are complaining about this protest which turned into a riot are the same people who backed the violent out lashes at Black Lives Matter protests. Not saying all the protests were Violent. But let me ask you this.. At the countless BLM protests how many people were killed? How many businesses were destroyed? How much did things change? After all of that rioting and protesting and nothing changed for the better.. they made a syrup brand change its name, that’s good, but how many black lives are being saved? Nothing is changing? No one is seeing a change in the shitty world that we already live in. I support president Trump in many ways and I could tell you for sure that what happened yesterday was sickening, although they were trying to convey a message, what they did will lead us nowhere. Does talking with the Government work? No! but that isn’t a surprise, when has the government actually tried to help us? They lie and then backstab us. So now we are stuck in this cycle of petitions, rioting and then being thrown to the ground and having to start all over again. – Vincent M. Hessenthaler

After yesterday’s events, I am honestly disappointed to be an American. Compared to protests and riots in recent months by BLM protesters, the police actions were weak. They tried to protect stores more than they tried to protect the president. It’s also disappointing that people thought it was a good idea to try and break into the white house. No matter what political view you have, the actions taken from both the police and the protesters were wrong. There are many other ways to have voiced your opinion and views than rioting, specifically towards the government. – Morgan Mardt

Yesterday was a day full of hypocrisy that will go down in the annals of history. The events of yesterday were brought about through the politics of division used on both sides. This group was so radicalized that they had the audacity to invade the Capitol. This was nothing less than an act of domestic terrorism that was spurned on by polarizing politicians like Trump. It should be a wake-up call that the “Us or Them” mentality that has proliferated through our politics only brings ruin. U.S citizens need to stop viewing each other as enemies and return to viewing each other as fellow countrymen. This riot was an assault against democracy, the essence of our country. For those who claim to so strongly uphold democracy and claim patriotism, this is an embarrassment of the highest degree. – Richard Wesh

I think that yesterday’s attack was very uncalled for. It was completely out of control. Those people that were not happy that president Biden was elected did not need to break into the capitol building, while they were certifying the votes.  While the Trump supporters actually broke into the capitol building, the black community couldn’t even protest peacefully for their human rights, which is so unacceptable. While the black community was peacefully protesting the police were shooting rubber bullets, tear gassed, and arresting people. I understand that I am not black and I will never completely understand the fear they live everyday, but I do understand that it is not right that they can’t protest for their own human rights. We need to make a change. I have a black boyfriend and I pray everyday that nothing will happen to him. It is not fair. This has been happening for years and we need to make a change. With Trump being president this country has not changed and will not change for the better . – Emily Kostick

I feel like since the majority of the people that were there were white they didn’t want to be “forceful” but when the “rioting” was going on with the BLM protest their first thought was to go towards violence. They actually got in the building with only one person really getting hurt and minimal arrest while months ago so many people were getting shot and hurt when they were only trying to get the word out and say enough is enough. I hate that people think white supremacy doesn’t exist anymore because the way they treat almost the same situation months later depending what they’re standing for and their race is unbelievable. And even what they are “protesting” about is different, these people are rioting because they didn’t get their way but the BLM protesters were protesting because they were getting killed and they were scared for their lives and they didn’t have their voices heard, big difference. – Adalis Davidson

I don’t care much about politics, so whenever my friends argue over politics, I just sit out because I personally think its stupid. But yesterday’s event was awful. The fact that it was tolerated makes me sick. Everyone knows that this had a lot to do with the color of their skin. BLM protests were shut down immediately. Tear gas, rubber bullets, and brute force was used. But yesterday’s event was different. Police didn’t do much to try to stop them. The rioters violated the capitol and all the police did was watch. We all know the outcome would have been much different if they were people of color. Breaking into the capitol was crossing the line. Force should’ve been used. – Jose Chacon-Leiva

I think it’s terrible that people would do such a nefarious thing, and I wish the president would condemn it.  I’m annoyed by the people of this country, but I try to distance myself from the contemptuous acts people commit.  People definitely should not have been allowed to leave with no consequences.  If the violent protesters weren’t mostly white, many more people would have died, and it’s another sign of the systemic racism that has infiltrated the police force.  I even saw videos and pictures of guards taking selfies with the people storming the building, instead of doing their job.  It’s disgusting.  I can’t believe people buy into the lunacies of Trump, and I can’t believe people were surprised by the way he has acted in this situation.  He has been building up to this occurrence for a long time, saying that he would not leave office peacefully if he lost the election.  Congress needs to do something bold and aggressive, or this monstrosity of a transition will continue to go downhill.  – Anonymous

I think that was an insane event that showed the true intentions behind Trump and his supporters. It really showed the racism, hatred, and hypocrisy of these people. It also showed that the police put a lot more effort into stopping protests that were justified (BLM protests) and they did not do their best to try and stop these terrorist attacks in DC. – Spence Lowery

I think a lot of the people that broke into the capitol yesterday should be arrested. They had no right to go this far because they were sad that Biden won. I am embarrassed of all the people that broke into the capital and brought violence to our community. These people took their actions too far and the police barely did anything to get them out of the building. – Gwyn Ulircuis

I feel like the events that went on were unfair. These people made it into the building mostly untouched, destroying important things. I felt like these people acted like wild animals. During the ‘Black lives matter’ protest people were getting gassed, beat, shot, and harmed in many ways.  I feel like the way the black lives protest was handled should have been the same way the Trump protest should have been handled.  – Anttanaya Spady

I think the events that happened yesterday were disgusting and not handled properly in any way. Not enough security and force was there to handle the crazy trump supporters that raided capitol hill. The fact that they were able to get in and vandalize a government property isn’t okay. Not getting your way in an election isn’t an excuse to riot in the streets. This was a major example of white privilege and it shows.  – Mary Jo Felix

I think that the riots yesterday showed how unfair and unjust our country really is. Especially comparing the peaceful protest of BLM and yesterday’s riots, it shows how truly unfair our country is.  – Joyce Ahn

Yesterday stemmed from the frustration of a group of conservatives who are angry democracy didn’t tip in their favor. In turn, they acted in a way that disrespects democracy and liberty. This also could have been prevented in several ways, such as police doing their jobs and protecting the capital, or Trump helping in some way to make his followers leave; after all, they were holding and praising his flag, he could have lead them to leave. It’s sad to think that police are more motivated to fight back when a group of people is fighting for simple justice, and not when the capital was literally overthrown. Sure, they’ll defend their case, saying “businesses were burnt down”, but they don’t understand it had reasonable motivation. It was a symbol to show that it is impossible to leave certain people oppressed without consequences. In relation, conservatives stormed the capital simply because Biden won the election, and Trump’s lawsuit has had no progress. In addition, this riot included people carrying guns, which not only showed their disgrace, but it also physically endangered the lives of civilians and members of congress. All of this and still many people believe the Black Lives Matter was worse than yesterday. – Joseph Ehly

I feel like too many people are using backwards thinking to try and solve their problems. Instead of confronting an issue head on, they want to try and demonize somebody else. This is causing too many people to be angry over something that can’t be helped. What happened yesterday was a national embarrassment, and the same amount of force and precautions should be used as the riots that had passed. These people stormed the Capitol of The United States of America and are expecting to go unpunished. America has bred a group of people on both sides of the political spectrum that are so out of touch with reality that they believe they can just do whatever they want and get off scot free, and it needs to stop. – Evan Oldham

I don’t get why Trump supporters + the people who stormed the Capitol building promote law and order, but then when it comes to their situations, like this one, they think they can just throw all their “morals” out the window. Then they attempt to justify their actions by comparing it to BLM protests + riots (which the riots were never supported by true protesters who wanted to maintain peace), but the BLM movement was to save lives. The Capitol storming was only because their “rightful” president lost an election. – Nidhi John

The events on Wednesday, I think it was horrible and should never happen, but yet it did. I can understand and agree with several opinions on each side of politics. But the president’s “call to action” for Republicans to go out there and make their voices be heard was the wrong thing to do. Although everyone’s opinions need to be heard. That is why our country is a democracy, for our voices to be heard. It was irresponsible and reckless. Being in quarantine to close for a year now someone was going to take this “call for action” too far. For over two centuries our country has had a peaceful power exchange from president to president.  Although the rights we have as the United States came from civil unrest and revolutions.  These people whose faces were on the news. In the war of 1812, the capitol building could not be infiltrated.  Which is unsettling to high extents. What they were hoping to get out of this. What would attacking the Capitol with weapons do for their cause? – Anonymous

When the Republican side wants to protest, (their 1st Amendment) they’re called terrorists. This is no longer about Trump or Biden, it is about Americans tired of corrupt government. We live in a time where we are defined by “political parties” and not by what our ideas are. The people that will follow the media’s agenda will just blame it on Pro-Trump supporters that showed up with there American Flags flying high instead of burning them. If we just listened to each other, we would be in such a better spot currently, but we always want to argue and tell each other to shut up because you’re expressing your beliefs to others and won’t listen. Personally, no one should have gone into the capitol because it only caused chaos that is very un-needed, but for those who called it “embarrassing” please, look at the news 4 months ago, look at the news during June & July. Other countries are sitting on their high horses laughing at us because we are so divided by what our political beliefs are. This is why we need to start listening to each other and not telling each other to shut up for what they believe, instead listen. You don’t have to agree with me, but you should think about what I said because the only way we are going to “unify” is if we all come together no matter what our beliefs are and understand each other instead of dividing us. – Anonymous 

I’m absolutely disgusted with the events of Wednesday. The riot at the Capitol was fueled with nothing but pure hatred. The president practically elicited it, too. The imagery, the videos, and everything in between was so hurtful. There were Confederate flags, and even Klan flags. Racism was so extremely prevalent, and it was clear the intent was there. There were even Neo-Nazis and white supremacists present. A bomb was found, some had guns, and there were even people with zip-ties planning to take hostages. All because they can’t accept Donald Trump didn’t win the election. It’s honestly so worrying, that in the fresh start of 2021, people had to witness anti-Semitism and racism take over the Capitol. And the security, the police, literally anyone, was not stopping it. To make a comparison, the Black Lives Matter PEACEFUL protests had such violence and force used upon them. Where was the tear gas, the rubber bullets, and the National Guard for the Trump Supporters raiding the Capitol building and committing a federal crime? People who were fighting for anti-racism and peace, were treated worse than people going against it. They weren’t patriots. Patriots would not try to take down the USA flag in order to replace it with a ‘TRUMP PENCE’ flag. This was not a revolutionary act for freedom. It was an act of terrorism. – Anonymous