By JUSTIN REESE – A collective sigh of relief was shared by the nation after hours of fearful breath-holding. At six o’clock the Capitol building was declared as cleared and safe for the business and legislators of the nation to resume. This was the result of the riots and violent attacks against the 117th United States Congress and the democratic process that took place on January 6, 2021.

The 2021 storming of the United States Capitol was at the hands of a violent mob of supporters of Donald Trump in an attempt to overturn his defeat in the 2020 general election.

It’s hard to understand just what motivated these violent insurrectionists. Many have pointed fingers at Trump. A few rioters have themselves, claimed that they were fueled and sent by Trump to disqualify then-President-Elect Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 general election.

The attack itself was segued by a rally held by then-President Trump just blocks from the Capitol building. Attendance at the event was unusually high and the speeches delivered by Trump clearly sparked something inside of them.

During the rally, Trump made several comments that Democratic and a few Republican legislators have claimed to be instigative and supportive of a violent attack. In fact, on January 16 he was impeached by the House of Representatives under charges of incitement of insurrection. It served as the most unanimous and bipartisan impeachment in United States history. The Senate conviction trial has yet to take place.

Senior Anakin Leydic supported the idea that Trump was at fault for the fueling of the riots stating, “ It was a shock to me that so many people would follow the baseless claims of one man. It’s so frightening to think that someone could incite so many people to do something so incredibly illegal.”

This attack was felt by the world, and no doubt, by IHS students. IHS halls are filled with students who will lead this nation in industry, service, and public office. This perspective of the future of America is arguably the most important and can be learned from.

Students of IHS were of many to follow the attacks with concern, sadness and thought. Junior Carson Midkiff expressed his concern for the democratic process, “…it was scary to see, on live television, an attack on democracy and free elections.” 

Junior Abigail Mazey agreed with Midkiff’s fearfulness, “It’s scary to know that one of the most secure buildings in the US could be so easily breached and sieged. This is a big deal. This will be in history books and will be an event felt for years to come.”

Midkiff also expressed optimism in his hopes of recovery “The best way to move forward is holding the right people accountable, making sure our democratic institutions are safe and secure from all threats, foreign and domestic.”

What the nation and world witnessed on the 6 of January has been viewed as a demonstration of violence, insurrection, and hatred. It was called by many, an orchestrated and meditated attack on not just the Capitol, but an attack on the electorate and nation.

[Photo provided by Reuters] 

Photo Caption: “Violent rioters surround the nation’s Capitol as flames engulf the west entrance.”