The political tension in the United States has been chaotic for months now, as a number of heavy, unprecedented forces are at play.
The stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the economic collapse it has caused on our nation, is enough to make even the most stable among us fall to our knees. These are scary times and the fear can be felt from both sides of the political line. Turning what should be a friendly rivalry on our home turf into a war of red vs. blue.
The situation exploded on Monday when protesters stormed the State Capitol of Oregon and battled it out with police.
Monday’s special session at the Oregon Capitol was slightly disrupted as protestors – who appeared to oppose policies closing certain businesses to slow the spread of the coronavirus – tried in vain to get into a largely-empty Capitol.
“We’re standing up for our constitutional rights to be here for this legislative hearing and for our rights to re-open the state of Oregon,” said protester Crystal Wagner.
“Why are they having a legislative hearing without the people?” Wagner said. “We are the people, we are the taxpayers. We’re here to fight for our democracy.”
Aside from dozens of police officers from the Salem Police Department and the Oregon State Police, lawmakers, some staff and reporters were the only ones permitted inside the building..
The scene was like something out of a movie.
Attempting entry into the Oregon state Capitol. Full video here: https://t.co/Lrpp8WADmk pic.twitter.com/TqTUMCelO4
— Joey Gibson (@PatriotPrayerUS) December 21, 2020
Outside the Oregon State Capitol. It has been declared an unlawful assembly at roughly 9:20am. pic.twitter.com/X1En1XNT4J
— Brian Hayes (@_Brian_ICT) December 21, 2020
Another attempted entry into the Oregon State Capitol. For reference this happened right before I was assaulted for. pic.twitter.com/72jUyW4AGn
— Brian Hayes (@_Brian_ICT) December 21, 2020
#NEW – Video taken from inside the Oregon State Capitol shows protesters breaking a door into the Salem building. This was taken from Representative Breese-Iverson’s office at around 1:30, as leaders continue to meet for the Special Session #LiveOnK2 pic.twitter.com/xOimxqtkc2
— Dan McCarthy (@DanMcKATU) December 21, 2020
The protesters cited a statute within the constitution that allows access to the general public at any time during business hours.
