There are a number of functions of the United States Capitol Building. Primary, it houses the meeting chambers of the Senate (in the north wing) and the House of Representatives (in the south wing). The two bodies that compose the legislative branch of the American government. It also includes the offices of congressional leadership. And last, but not least, it is used for ceremonies of national importance such as presidential inaugurations and the Lying In State of eminent persons. The United States Capitol Building is also a museum of American art and history and is visited by millions of people every year.
The events that unfolded yesterday, (Jan 6, 2021) were nothing more than an act of stupidity and which are going to further embroil the American people into dispute that is sure to last for some time to come. It also served to show the global elite that the American people really have become completely retarded in thought.
As to be expected, the Democrats have been using this event to further push their agenda’s as a way to say “See. We were right. The republicans are destroying America.” Nothing further could be the truth.
Shortly before the invasion of the Capitol Building, president Trump gave a speech, telling the crowd that they should stop by the Capitol Building on the way home. What he did not say is to riot or invade the Capitol Building.
In a speech after the riot, he stated: “We have just been through an intense election and emotions are high. But now tempers must be cooled and calm restored,” Trump said. “A new administration will be inaugurated on Jan. 20. My focus now turns to ensuring a smooth orderly and seamless transition of power. This moment calls for healing and reconciliation.”
As I wrote in the article The United States Election Process Explained, the US election would continue as it always has and that even if there are objections to the way a number of states had handled the electoral vote process, president elect Biden would still become the next US president.
This is the not the first time there have been protest at the US Capitol Building. As recent as the hearings for the appointment of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, Justice Brett Kavanaugh was met with an angry mob who were insistent that we are all gonna die because of … fill in the blank with whatever excuse there is of the day.
While this is the first large scale occupation of the US Capitol since 1814, there have been several other instances of violence at the US Capitol, particularly in the 20th century.
The 20th century saw several instances where the US Capitol was bombed, but no one was injured or killed. However, there were two instances during that time where there were casualties during attacks.
According to the US House Online Archive, there was an attack by four people of the Puerto Rican Nationalist party in 1954. At the time, US Capitol security was more lax and the four individuals were able to walk into the visitor’s gallery overlooking the chamber with their handguns. They opened fire and wounded five members of Congress. No one was killed.
In a 1998 attack, an armed assailant stormed past a Capitol security checkpoint and killed one Capitol police officer. He then exchanged gunfire with a Capitol detective protecting a Congressperson and fatally wounded the detective. The exchange allowed other officers to subdue the assailant.
However, 1814 was the last time the US Capitol fell to such a large scale insurrection as what occurred on Wednesday, Jan 6th.
During the War of 1812, the British invaded Washington, D.C. and were able to breach and burn down the US Capitol building. A Senate history page says the Senate did not meet in the historic Old Senate Chamber of the building again until 1819.
In conclusion, it greatly saddens me to see our political system and those that have reined in power for far to long abuse what was constructed to be a good working system. It also deeply saddens me that five people have died in this incident.