Rewriting Jan. 6

To the Editor:

I am writing in response to a portion of a couple of recent letters to the editor that expressed misleading and incomplete picture of the events that transpired on Jan. 6. The claims that only one person was killed, a Republican woman, and that no rioters were armed. Furthermore, the letter(s) suggests that the deaths of police officers in the aftermath were unrelated to the riots and that the FBI had been instrumental in inciting the protest. It is important that these blatant attempts to rewrite history do not go unchecked, regardless of your political leanings.

First, it is essential to acknowledge that Jan. 6 was a violent and unprecedented attack on the United States Capitol. The rioters’ actions endangered the lives of lawmakers, law enforcement officers, and staff, as well as the democratic process itself. The rioters were not let in, as can clearly be seen when they smashed then climbed through windows. Go to YouTube and search for “violent rioters on Jan. 6” and watch a few videos for a vivid reminder of what actually transpired.

Contrary to the claim that none of the rioters were armed, 174 were charged with an enhanced version of the crime of using deadly or dangerous weapons or for inflicting bodily harm on an officer and many of these either pled guilty or were convicted at trial supported by video evidence. Again, look it up.

Approximately 140 police officers were injured during the riot, with some suffering severe injuries such as concussions, broken bones, and chemical burns. Multiple other officers who responded to the riot tragically took their own lives in the days and months that followed Jan. 6, highlighting the severe mental health impact of the events. Their injuries and deaths were not the result of ‘mostly peaceful chaos’. You can see that with your own eyes in videos if you choose to look.

Yes, there were a lot of good people that peacefully protested, came unarmed and had no intention of causing violence or being a part of it. Some will argue that they just got caught up in the crowd and didn’t know they were doing anything wrong. I ask you; would you accept that excuse from your children?

Ian Julian Fayetteville