More and more evidence is emerging that elements of this attack on the Capitol were planned. Here is some of what I saw ...
I saw multiple rioters in tactical gear communicating on walkie talkies. Many wore helmets and gas maks, clearly prepped for violence.
Many of the rioters also brought blunt weapons. This guy has an axe handle in hand.
This group of Oathkeepers had been inside the Capitol. They came together in uniform they regrouped outside and were strategizing. They had helmets, knee pads, and gloves with knuckle protection. Notice the one guy carrying the large pole. I saw several of those.
It was clear to participants and the White House that calling people down to DC for the certification was dangerous. This city has seen violent riots, protests, and skirmishes for months now. I went out with a helmet and goggles. No one can say they didn't know.
I almost forget, I also saw a guy carrying a noose at the Capitol.
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I am pretty sure Elizabeth was really maced. Her face was moister and redder than what comes across in the clip. Hard to imagine her pulling that off with an onion. This is a case of a strange, questionable tear gas remedy.
As someone who's been tear gassed a lot - including on Wednesday - I strongly advise not rubbing onions all over yourself.
We should add some precision to the conversation about how different and lax the law enforcement response was yesterday compared to the violent crackdown of this summer's BLM protests.
As I walked into downtown yesterday, I noticed there was no National Guard blocking off the streets as there was this summer. Traffic was moving freely.
TheCapitol is federal and protected by the Capitol Police. They were totally overwhelmed. Since it's under federal jurisdiction, it was on Trump to call in reinforcements from other agencies. He did nothing to have federal law enforcement set up perimeters at Capitol or Downtown
The president won an election *in 2016* with violent rhetoric and various uniformed suporters groups. Historians and political scientists know what that is. It's authoritarian.
As you all might imagine, I have some thoughts about this comment that I am doing nothing "from the safety" of a "DC apartment." Let me break this all down for you Robert.
I have spent this entire pandemic going out and reporting to help ask questions and keep people informed. This includes today when I went to cover Joe Biden in Delaware and actually was exposed to COVID in the process.
Along with working from inside the White House, covering COVID in the South Bronx, and at least three other states I have traveled to, I led two fundraisers that generated thousands for people in need.
Rush Limbaugh is on the radio right now outlining a "longshot" scenario where Republican members of Congress could give the election to Trump on Wednesday. He's criticizing McConnell for "begging" senators not to do this.
Rush is now accusing Hillary Clinton of trying to block the electoral certification in 2016, which is not a thing that happened.
Rush is now completely mischaracterizing the state delegation numbers. This broadcast is filled with false information and advocating for an undemocratic coup. Can you imagine using the final chapter of your life for this sort of thing?