* Capitol Hill is the seat of the U.S. government, home to the domed United States Capitol building, Senate, Houses of Representatives, and the Supreme Court. *

Stage 1: TRUMP

Donald Trump was elected in 2016, and since then the damage to the United States’, usually impressive, reputation has been rather catastrophic. Trump has somehow destroyed the typical running of the American government. This is no longer Democrats vs Republicans or conservatives vs liberals. This is the Trump cult versus the rest of America. He has taken advantage of the mainly uncensored social media platform Twitter, using it as his direct, unfiltered, unchecked form of communication to his supporters. He deems the free press and anyone or anything that ever criticises him as `fake news` or the `enemy of the people`. Using these harsh and wildly inaccurate terms to depict the free press is language recognised in the mouths of lethal dictators. A notion America, hitherto, prided itself of being on the opposite end of that democratic spectrum.

Stage 2: TENSION

2020 was a monumental year. Again, Trump exploited the confusion of the unprecedented circumstances. With his words and ridiculous tweets, he smashed in the cracks of the country, dividing it in such a distinct way, many have not seen in a long time. Covid-19 plagued the States enough, what with his downplaying and blatant ignoring of the trauma, His constant bashing of the press, and all his advisors led to one key thing…...

Stage 3: LOSS OF FAITH IN HIS COUNTRY

Trump followers so deeply hung onto every word he said that they clearly believed nothing and nobody else, like he had encouraged. Trump lost the election; there is no hard evidence that states otherwise. Several judges, senators’ lawyers you name it have backed up the elections result as true. But as usual, Trump pummeled his way through the wall of truth into a sea of wild allegations that the election was “STOLEN” from him. The abhorrent rioting that took place were heavily speared by HIS lies. Many felt stripped of their rights, angry they did not have the result they desired, thinking it was unfair. However, this was no excuse for what they did, they could have voiced their opinions peacefully.

Stage 4: THE EXECUTION

At around 11:00 am EST, Trump’s “Save America Rally” from the alleged stolen election commences. Around noon, Trump clearly states on Twitter, “...and after this we’re going to WALK DOWN THERE…. TO THE CAPITOL”. This is clear instigation and invigoration of the horrors that take place. The violent extremists then start moving. At around 13:00 lawmakers in Capitol Hill are checking and re-checking the electoral votes to prove the election’s authenticity. (after the riots ceased, they finished and Trump’s lost was officially confirmed) 13:10 Rioters start battling law enforcement, breaking down Capitol Hill’s windows. They storm through one of the most significant buildings in the whole of the United States.   

Senators are fearful for their lives but miraculously manage to evacuate. Extremists. Anarchy. Carnage.  They ransack Senators’ offices. They breach privacy AND national security by invading and stealing political documents, they found this amusing. They leave abusive notes in Sn. Nancy Pelosi’s office. They sit defiantly and disrespectfully on the furniture, some broadcasting themselves on social media and taking selfies. There are a mix of emotions ranging from anger to joy to surprise as they penetrate the building and cause chaos and destruction.

Stage 4: RESPONSE

You may be wondering how did the federal law enforcement (police officers) react? How could such a lethal and horrific event occur. The Capitol is supposed to be one of the most secure erections in the world, and it is… The majority of these violent extremists were white (and male). They were met with little or no resistance by the people meant to protect that very building. Officers were caught taking actual selfies and stepping aside to allow the extremists through, as well as pointing them to the locations of the Senators offices. Many people, including celebrities remarked on this. These conservative white men were able, and even encouraged, to perform this horrific act. Could this be yet another example of institutional racism ingrained into the United States? As a contrast, many peaceful Black Lives Matter protests were met with tear gas and rubber bullets by the very same law enforcement that some say, continuously fails the American people. This is unacceptable, as black or brown extremists are typically met with much heavier, potentially fatal resistance.

Stage 5: THE MEDIA

Again, some news networks referred to the dangerous rioters as “supporters”. The rioters had long crossed that line. They are, by American law, domestic terrorists.

Stage 6: AFTERMATH

There have now been around 70 arrests; the FBI has posted images of the perpetrators and Washington residents are in lockdown for personal safety reasons. The world is reeling in shock. Many countries have responded with their condolences, but some ridiculed America, as the US previously looked down and condemned them for acts like this. The United States pride themselves on dignity and tradition but this terrorist act did not display any hint of that. It was not just an assault on the Senators or an assault on the building itself, it was an, as Joe Biden says, “assault on democracy.” US representatives are ashamed and embarrassed. Most importantly, there is heavy conversation and action being taken for Trump’s impeachment – removal from office. His Twitter account where most of his propaganda is spread has been banned. Although, many say all of this it is too little, too late. This has been described as a coup; a power grab from a desperate, unhinged, sore loser. Trump clearly instigated and invigorated the situation. He should finally be held accountable.

Disclaimer: This article may have elements of an opinion article and be subject to bias; it also may not reflect the views of The Curious Times.