The Attack of the People’s House
Following the Save America Trump Rally at ten a.m., a mob of President Donald Trump supporters stormed the Capitol Wednesday at three p.m. ET. This was the first attack on the Capitol since the British burned the building in 1814.
“We’re going to walk down … to the Capitol,” President Trump said at the rally. “We’re probably not going to be cheering so much … You’ll never take back our country with weakness. You have to show strength and you have to be strong.”
The rioters climbed buildings and broke windows eventually making their way inside. Chief of Police Steven A. Sund released a statement stating that law enforcement officers were attacked by the mob with weapons such as metal pipes.
“They were determined to enter into the Capitol Building by causing great damage,” Sund said. “Protesters were forcing their way toward the House Chamber where Members of Congress were sheltering in place.”
While rushing the entrance, Air Force veteran Ashli Babbit was shot by police and later died after being rushed to the hospital. This infuriated the mob even more as they started to yell “murderers!” Thursday morning it was released that three more people died due to medical emergencies.
The Senate and House were both forced to stop proceedings and lock their doors forcing Congress into lockdown. While hiding under their chairs wearing gas masks, the mob roamed the Capitol building finding their way into Speaker of House Nancy Pelosi’s office leaving her a note that said: “WE WILL NOT BACK DOWN” and wrote, “MURDER THE MEDIA” on a door.
Politicians on both sides of the aisle called for action to be taken against the Trump mob.
“At this hour, our democracy is under unprecedented assault,” President-Elect Joe Biden said. “I call on President Trump to go on national television now, to fulfill his oath and defend the Constitution and demand an end to this siege … It’s not protest, it’s insurrection.”
High ranking Republican officials such as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell have condemned the mob as well. President Donald Trump instead took a softer approach when addressing his supporters.
“We had an election that was stolen from us … but you have to go home now,” Trump said. “We love you. You’re very special.”
Vice President Mike Pence spoke to Congress later that night.
“To those who wreaked havoc in our Capitol today: You did not win,” Pence said. “Violence never wins. Freedom wins. And this is still the people’s house.”
Hello! I'm Madison Koesler, your Editor-in-Chief, most people call me Madi or Mads though. My main jobs on staff are making sure everything is up and running,...
Sophia Maggio | May 5, 2021 at 12:18 pm
This story was amazingggg. The riot was terrible and it never should’ve happened, especially under the presidents orders. It’s also super important for young people (like students) to read articles about what goes on in history so we don’t feel out of the loop. You explained everything super well and got a perfect amount of information in there!!
Chloe Martinez | Mar 2, 2021 at 7:47 am
Wow, this article is amazing, it was terrible to be sitting around that day and hearing what is happening on the radio or television. I remember being a bit scared thinking that everything has become a mess. I respect President Biden for stepping up and calling on Trump to stop the riots, although Trump said they were good people for fighting back. They caused so much damage and harm to the building and people around them, and even got into Nancy Pelosi’s office. Its absurd that our congress had to hide from the supporters, and that Trump had no issue with it. Hopefully with Biden in office now, we can get things on a track to a more normal life.
Sara | Jan 8, 2021 at 10:26 am
YESSSS MADI! Such a beautifully written story. You handled the situation perfectly. It was objective, succinct, and overall journalism at its finest. I appreciate the sources you used to share the facts and inform the youth in a simple, understandable way the condition of our country. It is important to inform the youth of events such as these as we are the future of America and we must be informed not sheltered. Especially as young journalists in America we can’t be silenced! Thank you for being a prime example of that.
Adrienne Zarda | Jan 8, 2021 at 12:36 am
It is so refreshing to see that the youth of our nation, even in these unprecedented times, are paying attention to events around them. On this particular occasion, our nation witnessed an insurrection not seen since 1814, and even then, not by American citizens. It’s a sad lesson to learn, but kudos to Madison for the kind of journalism we would want to see in every high school newspaper. Good work!
Alexis | Jan 7, 2021 at 1:00 pm
This story is amazing! Very descriptive and has a ton of valid facts. Way to go Madi on speaking your mind!