The writer discusses the January 6, 2021, United States Capitol attack by a right-wing, Trump-supporting mob. They describe the violent mob breaching the U.S. Capitol, breaking windows, and storming both chambers of Congress, while some wore American flags and displayed a Confederate flag. The writer criticizes President Trump for inciting the mob, saying he "delivered" on his promise of "American carnage" and was "okay" with the violence because the perpetrators were "on his team." They also condemn Trump's supporters and some Republican senators, like Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley, for promoting conspiracy theories and engaging in cynical politics. The writer calls for Trump's impeachment and removal, arguing that he is a threat to democracy and cannot be trusted with power. They also express hope that the country can rebuild and move forward, ridiculing the Trump movement as "pathetic" and "deplorable."
1. A violent mob breached the U.S. Capitol, breaking windows and storming both chambers of Congress.
2. The mob wore American flags and some displayed a Confederate flag.
3. Riders lowered the American flag to fly a Trump flag.
4. President Trump did not deploy the National Guard or properly defend the Capitol.
5. The president watched the events unfold on cable news.
6. The president tweeted about the events, saying that the mob's actions were a result of the election being "stripped away" from "great patriots."
7. The president's supporters made the United States a laughingstock.
8. The president incited the mob, saying "We will never give up, we will never concede."
9. The president told the mob to walk down to the Capitol and said he would be with them.
10. Rudy Giuliani demanded "trial by combat" before the mob stormed the Capitol.
11. The National Guard was eventually deployed, but with a significant delay.
12. Capitol or Metropolitan Police may have been complicit in the mob's actions and allowed riders through towards the Capitol.
13. Some police officers took selfies with the terrorists.
14. Two incendiary devices, possibly pipe bombs, were brought to the Capitol.
15. Many of the rioters were armed.
16. Senators like Josh Hawley, Ted Cruz, and others promoted conspiracy theories about the election.
17. Senator Cruz cited statistics about Americans who believed in the conspiracy theory during his objection on the Senate floor.
18. Senator Romney reportedly excoriated Senator Cruz, saying he was responsible for the insurrection.
19. President Trump's attempts to disarm the rioters via tweet or video were suspended by Twitter.
20. The president's account was suspended because Twitter worried his tweets were doing more harm than good.
21. President Trump will not be president in 14 days.
22. There are calls to impeach President Trump again and remove him from office.