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Trump's Deflection and the Capitol Riot: Key Takeaways and Statistics

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the fallout from the US Capitol riot continues, new reports emerge of President Trump's phone call with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, where he falsely blamed "Antifa" for the violence. McCarthy pushed back, claiming that the rioters were "MAGA" supporters. Meanwhile, a Capitol Police officer, Eugene Goodman, is being hailed as a hero for distracting rioters away from the Senate chambers. Amidst the chaos, several Capitol Police officers have been suspended and over a dozen more are under investigation for suspected involvement with or support for the demonstration.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Trump made a phone call to House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, where he falsely blamed "Antifa" for the Capitol riot.
  • McCarthy pushed back, stating that the rioters were "MAGA" supporters, and told Trump that the election was over.
  • A Capitol Police officer, Eugene Goodman, is being hailed as a hero for distracting rioters away from the Senate chambers, giving police time to secure the area.
  • Goodman, who is Black, put himself between rioters and the Senate chamber, shoving one individual to induce him to chase him in the opposite direction.
  • Several Capitol Police officers have been suspended, and over a dozen more are under investigation for suspected involvement with or support for the demonstration.
  • The Washington Post reports that eight separate investigations have been launched into the actions of Capitol officers, including posting supportive messages for the rally and sharing baseless election fraud claims.
  • Investigators found that one officer posted "inappropriate" images of President-elect Joe Biden on a social media account.
  • President-elect Biden stated that it's "critically important" to hold those responsible for sedition and threatening people's lives accountable.
  • The House will vote to try and pressure Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment, while Trump faces a historic second impeachment.

Statistics:

  • 204,652 new coronavirus cases recorded in the US on January 11.
  • 1,731 deaths recorded in the US on January 11, taking the total death toll to over 375,000.
  • 70,000 Twitter accounts suspended for sharing QAnon content.
  • 15 months: Acting US Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf held the position before resigning.
  • 8: Number of separate investigations launched into Capitol Police officers' actions.
  • 1 congressional aide spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe the status of the internal review.

Sources:

  • Axios: Trump on phone call falsely blamed 'Antifa' for riot at the Capitol
  • Washington Post: Several Capitol police officers suspended, more than a dozen under investigation over actions related to rally, riot
  • CNN: Officer hailed as hero for steering mob away from Senate chambers
  • Democratic National Committee: Jaime Harrison's tweet praising Eugene Goodman's actions
  • Fox News: Trump acknowledged some blame for Capitol riot during call with McCarthy
  • Washington Post: Acting US Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf resigns
  • Reuters: US records 204,652 new coronavirus cases, 1,731 deaths
  • Twitter: Suspends 70,000 accounts sharing QAnon content

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