Tag: Trump mob stormed the U.S. Capitol

KSTP partially retracts reporter Jay Kolls’ story on Capitol riot

He quoted an expert as saying it was “highly likely” that people aligned with antifa may have been part of the violence at the U.S. Capitol. 

KSTP has partly retracted a story it aired on this week’s riot at the U.S. Capitol that included claims about the involvement of anti-fascist groups.

“On Wednesday night, we broadcast a report focusing on the initial questions of security measures at the U.S. Capitol,” the local ABC affiliate said in a statement that was read during its evening newscasts Thursday. “At the end of that story from reporter Jay Kolls, he quoted Michael Rozin, a recognized security expert, who stated that it was ‘highly likely’ that people who aligned with the antifa group may have been part of instigating the violence at the Capitol. After further review, Mr. Rozin acknowledges his claim was speculative.”

KSTP went on to say that the story did not meet the station’s editorial standards. It pledged to “do better moving forward.” Continue reading.

Trump’s evangelicals were complicit in the desecration of our democracy

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The following commentary by Michael Gerson was published in The Washington Post January 7, 2021.

The practical effects of the fascist occupation of the U.S. Capitol building were quickly undone. The symbols it left behind are indelible.

A Confederate flag waved in triumph in the halls of a building never taken by Jefferson Davis. Guns drawn to protect the floor of the House of Representatives from violent attack. A cloddish barbarian in the presiding officer’s chair. The desecration of democracy under the banner “Jesus Saves.”

This post-apocalyptic vision of chaos and national humiliation was the direct and intended consequence of a president’s incitement. It was made possible by quislings such as Sens. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), who turned a ceremony of continuity into a rallying cry for hatred and treason. In the aftermath, Republican legislators who still don’t support President Trump’s immediate removal from office by constitutional means are guilty of continuing complicity. Continue reading.

Mob fallout: Pelosi calls for Capitol Police chief to be fired; House SAA to resign

Members of Congress praise rank and file but say probe is necessary

Top Capitol Hill law enforcement figures on Thursday started feeling repercussions for their failure to contain the Capitol against a pro-Trump mob that occupied the complex and prevented the counting of Electoral College votes. 

Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday called for the firing of Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund and said House Sergeant-at-Arms Paul D. Irving would be resigning.

“I am calling for the resignation of the chief of the Capitol Police, Mr. Sund, and I have received notice from Mr. Irving that he will be submitting his resignation,” the California Democrat said at a news conference. Sund sent out a release on Thursday defending his department in the wake of the disruption of government, but Pelosi was not impressed. “Mr. Sund, he hasn’t even called us since this happened.” Continue reading.

STATEMENT: CAP Founder John Podesta on Today’s Violence at the U.S. Capitol

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WASHINGTON, DC — John Podesta, founder of the Center for American Progress, released the following statement today on the attacks on the U.S. Capitol:

There can be no justification, no excuse, and no rationalization for the actions we saw today in our nation’s capital. The incitement of these extremists must end—immediately—and the enablers of this violence, including President Donald Trump, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO), should no longer serve in their offices and should take the responsible action by resigning.

Just hours before violent insurrectionists forced their way into the Capitol, the president and his allies encouraged and rallied with extremists on the National Mall. There is no mistaking who bears responsibility for the disgraceful violence that took place: President Trump and his enablers both inside and outside of Congress.

Continue reading.