View from the USA

By Megan Kovach

On Wednesday January 6, 2021, the United States Capitol was attacked during an attempted siege by rioting Trump supporters desperate to demonstrate American ‘freedom’ against US Congress, however, their actions achieved quite the opposite. Our country has not witnessed such hateful and violent acts since the 9/11 terrorist attack on New York City.

‘We The People’ watched in horror as the mob terrorized the very heart and symbol of American liberty, freedom and democracy during the Senate’s meeting to certify the election results of Democrat Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 Presidential election.

As if 2020 wasn’t enough of a debilitating year with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, this appalling act shined a light on the deep-rooted darkness and division that is prevalent in the USA, encouraged by no other than our Commander in Chief himself.

During the riots, the Capitol was placed on lockdown and five people lost their lives during the attempted coup.

To make matters worse, the rioters claimed their actions were justified similar to the Black Lives Matter movement from this summer, as if the need to stand up and advocate for basic human rights and equality in America could ever be compared to violence and outrage over a President losing an election?

This was no act of freedom; it was an unjust retaliation of anger and revenge.

As much as free and fair elections are foundations of American liberty, equally so is the peaceful transition of power between our elected officials.

“Every American deserves to have their voice heard in a respectful and peaceful way”, said Trump during an address to the nation following the attacks on the Capitol.

However, it is evident the President’s words do not apply to his own Twitter account, which has spewed attacks on Democrat leaders, nor the protests he ignited in DC during the Senate hearing, calling on his supports to ‘fight like hell’ against the election.

As a result of the riots, Trump’s Twitter account has been permanently suspended, striking more controversy over Big Tech’s role in ensuring the safety of Americans as well as protecting our First Amendment Rights.

As of last night, Trump was officially declared the first President in United States history to be impeached twice, and now faces a Senate trial after being charged with ‘incitement of insurrection’ for his role in encouraging the violent attacks on the US Capitol carried out by his supporters.

For over two hours on Wednesday, the House of Representatives moved to impeach President Trump with a 232-197 vote passed in favour of impeachment, which took place in the very same building that was terrorized by the mob during the deadly attack.

During the hearing, the historic Capitol was heavily guarded by troops of the US National Guard and security precautions have more than tripled to ensure the safety and protection of American citizens and government officials ahead of next week’s inauguration.

In his final moments of presidency, Trump will face a Senate trial to determine his guilt regarding the insurrection of the Capitol, with a 2/3 majority needed to convict the President. Further measures have also been initiated by certain government officials to ensure that Trump can never hold elected office again.

These dramatic events are estimated to take place shortly after the Biden administration is sworn into office, with many Democrat and Republican officials urging America to look forward to a new time of peace and unity in which our country so desperately needs.