6 January 2021, 04:24:15 Photo Credit: Tyler Merbler
On January 6th, 2021, the United States Congress was stormed by Trump supporters in an attempt to interfere with the congressional certification of Joe Biden’s win in the electoral college. As a result of the hours-long siege, five people died, including one Capitol police officer.
In the aftermath, many La Cañada students responded with a consistent shock and horror to the event, citing political division as a clear modern problem.
Edwin Tieu (12) stated, “I believe that the Capitol Storming was not only an attack on our democracy, it was also an attack on the foundations that America was founded on. Throughout history, there has not been this amount of polarization in politics. There are divisions in where people get their information and what people believe is right and wrong. This is what has led us to this point in history.”
Others had strong words for those who are believed to be responsible for the attack on the Capitol.
“Those who stormed the capitol, encouraged the insurrection, and continue to spread the ideas that started the uprising are traitors. The election was not stolen, and those who continue to spread the dangerous and subversive idea that it was are supporters of the revolt,” said Noah Chun (12), “American democracy depends on the inherent trust in the election system and yesterday’s events are an example of what happens when that is undermined.”
An anonymous tenth grader expressed a similar sentiment, “America cannot simply advance if we continue to propagate and entertain delusion. What we saw on that Capitol was irrational and illogical.”
Mason Pirkey (12) claimed, “The Capitol Storming was a terrible day for America and a clear representation of the state of our republic. America is better than the impulsive anger that drove those rioters.”
After the Capitol was secured, Congress certified the electoral vote, declaring Joe Biden the winner. Later, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urged Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th amendment to remove Trump from office.
Although it is unlikely Pence will invoke the 25th amendment given the timeline, 158 La Canada students still weighed in on an online social media poll, where 71% said “Yes” and 29% said “No.”
On January 13th, 2021, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is expected to introduce articles of impeachment for inciting insurrection, making Trump the first president to potentially be impeached twice.
