On January 6, 2021 thousands of Trump loyalists overtook the United States Capitol Building as lawmakers were inside working to certify Joe Biden as winner of the 2020 Presidential Election. 

On Wednesday, one week after the siege, the President was impeached [again], this time for “incitement of insurrection” and his role in provoking the mob that stormed the Capitol.

First suggested in whispers, it is now widely acknowledged that the forceful occupation of the U.S. Capitol Building was an attack on American democracy, an attempted coup and a failed insurrection. 

I was in Washington D.C. last week and this is my account. 

Before descending on the U.S. Capitol Building thousands of Trump loyalists marched through D.C. streets and congregated on the Washington Mall. 

Among those gathered were families, college students and many who readily shared they’d saved for months in order to rally in support of President Trump.

Also among the thousands were members of the Proud Boys, Three Percenters, Oath Keepers and other alt-right White Nationalist and paramilitary groups who openly touted their violent and Nationalist ideologies.

Overall, the atmosphere was jubilant and celebratory and when the President spoke the crowd responded with cheers of chants of adoration. 

After condemning the "fake news media" and repeating [unfounded] claims that the 2020 Presidential election was fraudulent Trump encouraged the crowd to walk to the Capitol. The President promised to be with his supporters [“I’ll be there with you] and called for all to “defend the Constitution” while condemning “weakness” and promising to “never concede the election”. 

read the full transcript here

For weeks leading us to the siege Trump loyalists held rallies and took to social media to claim election fraud and the theft of an election victory they claimed rightfully belonged to Donald Trump. While many have expressed shock and surprise there were clear signals that violence was a credible threat. Despite mounting evidence law enforcement was caught flat-footed and inadequately prepared. 

Now, less than a week until the inauguration of Joe Biden, 20,000 National Guard troops have arrived in Washington D.C. and thousands more are stationed at state capitals throughout the United States. Fences have been erected, airlines are monitoring flights to D.C. and journalists are equipping themselves with bulletproof vests as America prepares to inaugurate the 46th President of the United States.

Stay safe, stay healthy. 
Maranie