Biden nominates Dr. Jewel Bronaugh for USDA Deputy Secretary

President-elect Joe Biden has appointed Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Dr. Jewel H. Bronaugh as Deputy Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture.

Bronaugh has served as commissioner of VDACS since May of 2018. Pending confirmation by the United States Senate, Commissioner Bronaugh will become the first African American Deputy Secretary of Agriculture.

The USDA consists of 29 agencies and offices with nearly 100,000 employees who serve at more than 4,500 locations across the country and abroad. The Department promotes agriculture production that helps feed Americans and others throughout the word, supports rural economic development, and conserves the nation’s natural resources through conservation, forest restoration, improved watersheds, and healthy private working lands.

Atlanta Falcons name Terry Fontenot general manager

The Atlanta Falcons' hace announced that Terry Fontenot has been hired to be its next general manager.

Fontenot comes to Atlanta from the New Orleans Saints, where he has spent the last 18 years of his career. Fontenot just completed his first season as the Saints' vice president/assistant general manager for pro personnel. Fontenot is also the Falcons' first Black general manager.

Howard University Showtime Marching Band To Escort Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris for Inauguration

Howard University is proud to announce the Showtime Marching Band will escort Vice President Kamala Harris at the 59th presidential inauguration on Jan. 20. They will perform a special drum cadence for the parade.

“It is our esteemed honor to be involved in the historic inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris,” said Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick. “Throughout her career, the vice president-elect has carried her Howard education with her, ensuring that she adhere to truth and service and inspiring her to achieve unprecedented levels of excellence. It is perfectly fitting that the Showtime Marching Band, the ensemble that captures and reverberates the heartbeat of our institution, should accompany her on this last leg of her journey to the White House. It was that steady pulse of her Alma Mater’s legacy that propelled her forward, and it is that same rhythm that will carry her onward as she undoubtedly will become one of the most influential vice presidents in the history of our nation.”

Showtime Band will have the drumline, the Flashy Flag Squad, and Ooh La La dancers in the inauguration parade, representing less than one-third of the band for safety precautions.

“We are proud to unite safely as a band to represent Howard University, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and all HBCUs across the country,” said Kelvin Washington, the Howard University band director, who has been working on the perfect song for the parade since Harris was selected to join President-elect Joe Biden on the presidential ticket in August 2020. “It's a very gracious opportunity for us, and we’re very thankful for it.”

Although there’s minimal band participation, Washington is prepared because he has participated in two inauguration parades prior. “I had the pleasure to perform as a student at Southern University in 1980 for former President Ronald Reagan’s inauguration, then as associate director of the Howard University Band for former President Barack Obama and now this one would be my third,” said Washington.

This is the first time many of the band students will participate in an inauguration, and although they haven’t been together since the pandemic began, Courtney Gilliam of Dallas, Texas, a women studies graduate student and co-captain of the Flashy Flag Squad, believes they are ready.

“I think the amendments to this year’s inaugural events are appropriate for the times we are experiencing. I’ve been eager for months to see how Howard University would be included in this momentous inauguration, and it’s great to know that we’re able to safely execute traditional events and be represented as the marching band and musical heart of the vice president’s Alma Mater. As the first of many more progressive elections/inaugurations for women, it feels euphoric to be involved. I’m beyond elated to be able to participate with the Flashy Flag Squad, Ooh La La Dancers and percussion section,” said Gilliam. “Our squad has been conditioning, learning tosses and practicing dances to band music since last summer at our respective homes. So, finally hearing the heartbeat of the band, even in this small degree, is powerful for the entire band, and I’m sure the student body will be excited to see their peers help usher in our fellow Bison.”

[SOURCE: HOWARD UNIVERSITY]

January 19th Biden virtual inaugural event to celebrate Black Americans

The resiliency, culture and heroism of Black Americans and the African diaspora will be the central theme of a virtual event, We Are One on Tuesday (1/18/2021) at 8 PM Eastern Time to celebrate the nation's diversity on the eve of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.

Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris is slated to speak at the event, “We Are One,” which will also honor the historic nature of her being the first Black woman to become vice-president of the United States.

The celebration to honor and celebrate all within the Black Community and African Diaspora, featuring powerful speakers, inspiring stories, and entertaining performances. The event will be hosted by Terrence J and feature appearances by Leslie Jones, Frankie Beverly, Stacey Abrams, Whip Jim Clyburn, Rep. Cedric Richmond, Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Rep. Joyce Beatty, Senator Cory Booker, Senator-Elect Rev. Raphael Warnock, Kim Fields, Erika Alexander, and Jason George. It will also feature a special performance by Tobe Nwigwe, in addition to performances by DJ D-Nice, The O’Jays, Rapsody, Step Afrika, the String Queens, the Texas Southern University Debate Team, and more. The event will also include a Battle of the Bands, featuring Florida A&M University Marching 100, Grambling State University World Famed Marching Band, Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South, Louisiana Leadership Institute All-star Marching Band, South Carolina State University Marching 101, Southern University Human Jukebox Marching Band, and the Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands.

You will be able to watch We Are One online here: https://bideninaugural.org/watch/

The event will also air on Urban One, Revolt TV and NBC Peacock TV’s, The Choice.

DC mayor says she's concerned about inauguration security and threats to residential neighborhoods

During an interview on NBC's Meet the Press Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said Sunday that despite heavy security around federal facilities, she is concerned about potential terror attacks elsewhere in the city, particularly residential areas during the Biden inaguration activities.

Watch that interview below:

Kamala Harris to be sworn in as vice president by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor

Kamala Harris will be sworn in Wednesday as the next vice president of the United States by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, according to a Harris aide.

Harris will make history as the first female, first Black and first South Asian vice president, and she will be sworn in by the first Hispanic and third female justice in US Supreme Court history. Sotomayor was nominated by President Barack Obama to the high court and has served since 2009.

The vice president-elect will take her oath of office using two Bibles; one that previously belong to a former neighbor and family friend of Harris,' Regina Shelton, and another that belonged to Thurgood Marshall, the first African American to serve on the Supreme Court, the aide said.

President-elect Joe Biden and Harris will take their oaths of office on the West Front of the US Capitol during a significantly scaled-down event on January 20.

[SOURCE: CNN]

VP-Elect Kamala Harris to resign from Senate seat on Monday

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will resign from her Senate seat on Monday ahead of Wednesday's inauguration ceremony.

Harris has already started the process by notifying California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D). She's then expected to make an announcement on Monday resigning from her Senate seat, according to Harris aides.

"She's notified Governor Newsom, and has sent her formal indication that she will be resigning on Monday, January 18. And then she will make a formal announcement on Monday," said an aide.

[SOURCE: THE HILL]

Councilman launches fundraiser to help Black students finish college on MLK Weekend

UPDATE FEBUARY 2021: The Facebook fundraiser has ended and raised over $2,100, but anyone still wishing to donate can do via Cash App. Donations can be sent to $gcuse.

Five years ago Hillside NJ councilman, George L. Cook III was invited to a fundraiser given by the Union County College Foundation to support something called "Close the Gap”.

The Close the Gap campaign was intended to accelerate the pace of African American student success at Union County College by providing financial assistance to students approaching graduation as well as resources for other academic needs.

Cook was so impressed by the initiative and the passion of those who started it that he asked to join the Union County College Foundation to help out in any way that he could. After being accepted into the foundation Cook struggled in that first year to see where he could fit in with the mission of both Close the Gap and the Union County Foundation.

At that time Facebook started allowing users to run fundraisers. Cook had over 5,000 friends so he started a fundraiser for the foundation. That initial fundraiser took in $920 and in the three years since over $4,000 more has been raised in an annual fundraiser Cook starts on Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend.

This year the councilman launched his fundraiser on January 16, 2021, the actual birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.

Cook says that he chose that date to honor Dr. Martin Luther King and that King understood the importance of education. He then quoted King.

"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education."

The councilman also stated that giving to help these Black students finish school is also a way to help fulfill King's dream.

"Many of these students just need money for transportation, books, to eat while at school, or just to pay for that last class they need to graduate." said Cook.

In these times of Covid-19 that has become all that much more difficult as students must now struggle with other issues like helping their families pay rents or pay the bills. These students need our help now more than ever. As we all know that when a student drops out there is a good chance that they will not come back. Let us not let that happen."

"Thanks to the Close the Gap initiative, the graduation rate for male African-American students has more than quadrupled at Union County College in the five years since its launch. Let us keep that progress going. Please donate today.

Donations can be made via Cash App here $gcuse

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee reintroduces Reparations Bill

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas recently reintroduced a bill that is the first step toward giving reparations to Black Americans whose lives have been impacted by the slavery of their ancestors.

Lee recently introduced H.R. 40, the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African-Americans Act, to the House Floor.

The legislation examines the specific role slavery played in creating inequality in the lives of Black Americans, as well as recommend a formal apology from the U.S. government.

“Today there are more people at the table –– more activists, more scholars, more CEOs, more state and local officials, and more members of Congress,” Lee said in a press release. “However, despite this progress and the election of the first American President of African descent, the legacy of slavery lingers heavily in this nation.

“In short, the Commission aims to study the impact of slavery and continuing discrimination against African Americans, resulting directly and indirectly from slavery to segregation to the desegregation process and the present day. The Commission would also make recommendations concerning any apology and compensation to begin the long-delayed process of atonement for slavery,” she said.

Lee also acknowledged the lack of financial restitution as the main factor in many of the issues the Black community faces today.

“These economic issues are the root cause for many critical issues in the African-American community today, such as education, health care, and criminal justice policy, including policing practices. The call for reparations represents a commitment to entering a constructive dialogue on the role of slavery and racism in shaping present-day conditions in our community and American society.”

Reparations legislation was first introduced in the House by the late Representative John Conyers in 1989. Conyers argued for reparations throughout his final years in Congress before he retired in 2017. Conyers died in 2019.

When he retired, Lee took up the torch to sponsor the bill and step up her campaign after the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police in 2020.

“I just simply ask, why not and why not now? If not all of us, then who?” she said, per a report by the Detroit News. “God bless us as we pursue the final justice for those who lived in slavery for 250 years in the United States of America.”

[SOURCE: CHICAGO CRUSADER]

President-Elect Biden picks Jaime Harrison as the next chair of the Democratic National Committee

President-elect Joe Biden on Thursday named Jaime Harrison, a former South Carolina Democratic Party chair and 2020 Senate candidate, as his pick for the next chair of the Democratic National Committee.

Harrison has long been seen as the only candidate for the job. He will still be required to face an election by DNC members, but a win is almost a forgone conclusion with the support of the incoming president. DNC members will vote during a virtual meeting on January 21 -- the day after Biden's inauguration.

Harrison was believed to be a strong pick by Democrats because he has held a number of party roles -- state chair, DNC officer, candidate -- and is viewed as someone who understands what it is like to be a Democrat in a red state where the investment is needed.

Harrison released a statement via Twitter on his appointment:

I’m humbled and excited that @JoeBiden has chosen me to lead @TheDemocrats.

Together, we’ll organize everywhere, invest in state parties, expand the map, and elect Democrats who will be champions for the working people of this country.

— Jaime Harrison (@harrisonjaime) January 14, 2021

Lawmakers introduce a bill to award Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman the Congressional Gold Medal

A bipartisan group of lawmakers have introduced a bill to award Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman the Congressional Gold Medal for his role in protecting lawmakers against the mob of President Trump’s supporters that breached the U.S. Capitol.

Reps. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) and Charlie Crist (D-Fla.) introduced the measure, saying Goodman deserves Congress’ highest civilian honor after he was captured in photos and videos leading rioters away form the entrance to the Senate chamber during the riot.

“He’s a hero!” Crist said in a statement. “While some will remember last Wednesday for the very worst in our country, the patriotism and heroics of Officer Eugene Goodman renew my faith and remind us all what truly makes the United States great.”

Mace said in a statement that Goodman’s actions were “heroic and represent the best of law enforcement. “When he was the only thing standing between Members of Congress and the violent mob, he quickly and selflessly redirected their fury upon himself so those Members could escape. Thanks to his valor, we are here today,” Mace said. “From the bottom of my heart, I cannot thank him enough for his bravery and for his dedication to the call of duty.”

[SOURCE: The Hill]

Rep. Payne, Jr. Votes for the Impeachment of President Trump Again

Today, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. voted to impeach President Trump for “incitement of insurrection” after his actions encouraged a mob riot that damaged the U.S. Capitol Building, killed five people, injured dozens of police officers, and forced several members of Congress and staff to move to secure locations. The move comes one day after Rep. Payne, Jr. voted for a separate House resolution to ask Vice President Mike Pence and the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office and allow the Vice President to assume the president’s responsibilities until Joe Biden is sworn in January 20, 2021 as the new president.

“This president will go down in history as the worst one America has ever had,” said Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. “Since his election, he has shown a reckless disregard for the safety and security of the American people through his coronavirus response and his support for an insurrection against our country. President Trump’s urging of rioters and domestic terrorists to siege our Capitol Building, a symbol of democracy worldwide, shows he must be removed from office immediately. Once he is removed, we can work to restore America as one nation again with liberty and justice for all.”

The resolution (H.Res. 24) would impeach President Trump for high crimes and misdemeanors based on conduct that violates his duty to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution. Specifically, it focuses on Trump’s actions to encourage the riot on January 6, 2021 on Capitol Hill. Trump told supporters before the riot to travel to Washington, D.C. so they could attack the Capitol Building, threaten Republican and Democratic elected officials, and try to stop the certification of votes from the November election. Normally, certification is a routine procedure that Republicans mand Democrats support.

In addition, the resolution mentions Trump’s phone call to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to overturn Georgia’s presidential election. In the January 2, 2021 call, Trump threatened Raffensperger with possible criminal consequences if he did not falsify an extra 11,780 votes and declare Trump the winner of Georgia’s Presidential election. The resolution states that “President Trump gravely endangered the security of the United States and its institutions of Government. He threatened the integrity of the democratic system, interfered with the peaceful transition of power, and imperiled a coequal branch of Government. He thereby betrayed his trust as President, to the manifest injury of the people of the United States.”

Rep. Maxine Waters Statement on Vote to Impeach Donald Trump for Second Time

Today, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Financial Services, issued the following statement after casting her vote to impeach President Donald J. Trump for a second time.

“Today, I voted to impeach Donald J. Trump – the worst and most dangerous president in the history of the United States of America. Today, he became the first president in our history to be impeached, not once – but twice.”

“From the very beginning of Donald Trump’s siege of our government and our democracy, I knew the danger he posed, and I knew that he was willing to do absolutely anything to stay in power. He came down the escalator at Trump Tower with a purpose, not to better our country or make it great, but to further his own interests and put them ahead of the interests of our country. From day one, it was clear that Donald J. Trump had no regard for the Constitution and was willing to trample all over it.

“The President of the United States took an oath to ‘preserve, protect and defend the Constitution’. It is an oath required by Article Two, Section One. Yet, it is an oath that he never took seriously and violated once again when he incited an insurrection at the United States Capitol.

“His relentless efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election have become the gravest stress test of American democracy in generations. Our democratic institutions are under assault by the same leader charged with their care, and we must understand our role in checking the authoritarian behavior emanating from the White House.

“From the highest office in the land, Donald Trump provided white supremacists, right-wing extremists, and conspiracy theorists validation and free reign to spew hatred, bigotry, and racism, and yes – commit extreme violence. This failed man and failed president not only refused to condemn violence from these groups, he incited and encouraged them time and time again. In Charlottesville, he called them good people, and last year, he gave an order to the Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by,” and that – they did.

“On January 6, just before insurrectionists stormed the Capitol and desecrated the seat of American democracy, Donald Trump gave them orders. He told them to “save our democracy” and that “We’re going to walk down to the Capitol, and... you’ll never take back our country with weakness. You have to show strength, and you have to be strong.” With their marching orders in hand and fueled by the lies he spoon fed to them over the last four years, his supporters sped toward the Capitol with Confederate flags, guns, and nooses in tow. Pipe bombs were placed on and around the Capitol grounds. They chanted “Hang Mike Pence” and “Where is Nancy” and were willing to do anything they could to overturn a free and fair election, even if it meant overthrowing a free and fair democracy.

“While Members of Congress and their staff were in secret locations and the insurrectionists were intent on locating leading members of our government, Donald Trump posted a video, in which he had the audacity to remind them that they had his support, saying, “We love you, you’re very special.” His message of love for the domestic terrorists storming the Capitol Building was one of the most despicable, cowardly acts by a United States president in the history of our nation. By allying himself with the seditious domestic enemies of the United States, while a siege was in progress, this president committed a treasonous act akin to those who threw themselves behind the Confederate forces after the bombardment of Fort Sumter, which began the Civil War in 1861. The insurrection Trump incited and supported led to six deaths including two police officers and a woman who had posted about putting myself and other members of our government on notice.

“In response to the tragedy of January 6, 2021, I drafted H. Res. 34, which contains four articles of impeachment against Donald J. Trump, one each for the following separate abuses of power: conspiring to commit sedition by inciting an insurrection; corrupting the electoral process; violating the emoluments clauses of the Constitution, which protect against presidential corruption; and obstruction of justice.

“These insurrectionists came with one goal and one purpose – to overturn a United States election, overthrow the federal government, and hold hostage the democratic process by either occupying the Capitol building, kidnapping members of Congress, or both. Let no person mistake their failure to achieve their goals as any indication that the danger was not legitimate, that the national security of the United States was not compromised, and that the conspiracy to commit sedition against our country should not be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. It is now our duty to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again and that the very man who fueled an insurrection is held accountable.

“I look forward to a conviction in the Senate. Now is the time to act. The future of our democracy depends on it.”

New York Board of Regents select first African American as chancellor

Lester W. Young Jr., a former Brooklyn educator with more than 50 years' experience, on Monday became the first African American to lead the state of New York's Board of Regents since its founding in 1784.

Young, 73, was elected Regents chancellor unanimously by the 17-member board. He noted that he takes over the state's education policy panel during a critical time — when the COVID-19 pandemic has "upended school systems around the world."

In coming months, the board will grapple with a wide range of controversies, including state testing and high school graduation standards.

Young was born in 1947, the son of Lester Willis Young, a Jazz Hall-of-Famer and saxophonist who performed with Count Basie and other prominent musicians in the 1930s, 40s and 50s and died in 1959. While much of the Regent's professional life has been spent in Brooklyn, he now resides in Whitestone, Queens.

Young the educator served first as a teacher and guidance counselor in New York City, then later in a wide range of administrative positions at both regional and state levels. He was principal of PS 183 in Brooklyn, which was recognized as a school of excellence by the U.S. Department of Education.

From 1988 to 1993, Young was an assistant and associate commissioner of the New York State Department of Education. In 1993, he returned to Brooklyn, where he was appointed superintendent of a community school district and later senior superintendent for four districts.

After retiring in 2004, Young served four terms as a state Regent at Large for the state. He co-chairs a Regents committee in charge of elementary and secondary education.

[SOURCE: NEWSDAY]

An interview with Dr. Fitzhugh, a Black doctor who took the Covid-19 vaccine

Hello, this is George Cook and I am a councilman in Hillside NJ. I know that many, especially those in the African American Community have questions about the safety of Covid-19 vaccines and have many doubts about taking it. To be honest, so do I.

I reached out to Dr. Valerie Fitzhugh of Rutgers New Jersey Medical School after reading an article in which she volunteered for a covid-19 trial study in an effort to show others that a vaccine would be safe. Dr. Fitzhugh, who has also appeared on MSNBC graciously accepted my offer to do a Zoom Meeting and to answer resident’s questions about Covid-19 vaccinations.Many of the questions Dr. Fitzhugh answered may be questions you have, so check out the interview.

Valerie A. Fitzhugh is an American clinical pathologist and Associate Professor of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School as well as an Associate Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Medical School. She is the Interim Chair of the Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine at Rutgers and the Interim Chair at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School as well. Fitzhugh is also the Chair and Medical Director of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the Clara Maass Medical Center.

Black national anthem would become America's hymn under congressman’s proposal

U.S. Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., wants a song about faith and resilience long revered in the Black community to become the national hymn and help toward uniting the country after centuries of racial turmoil.

Clyburn, the House majority whip, plans to introduce a measure as early as this week that would make “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” known as the Black national anthem, the national hymn and give it a special place alongside the country’s anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner."

“To make it a national hymn, I think, would be an act of bringing the country together. It would say to people, ‘You aren’t singing a separate national anthem, you are singing the country’s national hymn,” said Clyburn, the highest-ranking Black American in Congress. “The gesture itself would be an act of healing. Everybody can identify with that song.”

Read more: To help heal racial wounds, Black national anthem would become America's hymn under proposal

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman Receives Positive Coronavirus Test Following January 6 Capitol Lockdown

Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) received a positive rapid antigen test result for COVID-19. She believes she was exposed during protective isolation in the U.S. Capitol building as a result of insurrectionist riots. As reported by multiple news outlets, a number of members within the space ignored instructions to wear masks.

“I received a positive test result for COVID-19, and am home resting at this time. While I am experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms, I remain in good spirits and will continue to work on behalf of my constituents.”

Watson Coleman is isolating and awaiting the results of PCR testing; she previously received the first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID19 vaccine, which has been made available to members of Congress, the Supreme Court, and Executive Branch agencies for the purposes of continuity of government operations.

Black capitol police officer, Eugene Goodman hailed as a ‘hero’ for diverting mob from Senate chambers

A Black police officer seen diverting a pro-Trump mob away from the Senate’s entrance during the deadly attacks on the US Capitol has been celebrated as a hero.

A video, captured by HuffPost reporter Igor Bobic, appears to show the officer strategically diverting the mob away from a corridor leading to the Senate chambers, where lawmakers were convening to certify the 2020 presidential election.

He was later identified by CNN and other news outlets as US Capitol Police (USCP) Officer Eugene Goodman.

The cop then confronts the man leading the group of rioters. As the man looks towards the entrance to the Senate, Officer Goodman pushes him and appears to divert his attention. The officer continues to engage the rioter as he moves in the opposite direction from the Senate chambers.

According to Mr Bobic, the video was shot at 2.14pm — a minute before the chambers were sealed. Mr Bobic based this on a contemporaneous report from a Washington Post reporter who said the doors were sealed at 2.15pm.

Watch the video of the heroic police officer below:

[SOURCE: INDEPENDENT.CO.UK]

Rep. Payne, Jr. Wants a Congressional Investigation into Capitol Police Response to Attack on U.S. Capitol Building

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. asked for a full Congressional investigation today into why Capitol Police officers failed to protect the U.S. Capitol Building before and during the riot on January 6, 2021.  Specifically, Rep. Payne, Jr. wants to know why officers allowed rioters to enter the building with minimal resistance and why they were so unprepared for such an attack when peaceful protests for Black Lives Matter supporters were met with armed guards and military vehicles.  During the invasion, Capitol Police officers were seen in pictures and videos opening barricades for the criminals, helping them access areas in the Capitol, and even taking photographs with them as they destroyed and looted the building.    

“What happened during the attack on our Capitol Building should never have happened,” said Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr.  “Capitol Police are there to defend our temple of democracy from all invaders, foreign and domestic, and I applaud the many officers who did just that.  But too many officers were complicit in the siege.  We need to know if these officers acted on their own or if they were told to stand down during this vicious and heinous act.”

Congressman Payne, Jr. wrote a letter to Rep. Zoe Lofgren, chair of the Committee on House Administration, and Rep. Rodney Davis, ranking member of the committee, to get more information on why Capitol Police did not arrest more people, what disciplinary actions will be taken against officers who helped the domestic terrorists, and even if members of far-right, extremist groups have infiltrated the Capitol Police.  During the riot, armed supporters of President Trump invaded the U.S. Capitol Building, killed a Capitol Police officer and injured at least 60 others, ransacked Congressional offices, and forced dozens of elected officials from both political parties to move to secured locations.  In the letter, Rep. Payne, Jr. wrote that an investigation needs to happen because the “events of January 6 have shaken our confidence in the ability and willingness of the USCP’s leadership to protect the Capitol Building, Members, staff, and sensitive intelligence information from an armed mob.”  The letter was co-signed by 21 members of Congress.

The full letter is listed below:

 

January 8, 2021

 

 

The Honorable Zoe Lofgren                                       The Honorable Rodney Davis

Chairperson                                                                Ranking Member

Committee on House Administration                        Committee on House Administration

1401 Longworth House Office Building                    1740 Longworth House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515                                              Washington, DC 20515

 

Dear Chairperson Lofgren and Ranking Member Davis,

On January 6, 2021, armed insurrectionists stormed the United States Capitol. United States Capitol Police Officers, tasked with the safety and security of the Capitol Complex, the Members, and all staff who work in these buildings were unable to prevent this mob from gaining access to the Capitol, the House and Senate Chambers, and several leadership offices. After disrupting Congressional proceedings, ransacking offices, and assaulting USCP Officer Brian Sicknick who later died from his wounds, the mob was allowed to peaceably depart.  Officers were so overwhelmed that only 13 individuals were arrested, and it is unknown if the murderer is among them. 

Even more disturbing than the operational failures of the day are the videos that show USCP officers opening barricades to let this armed mob into the Capitol, taking selfies with them, and allowing them access to vandalize sensitive leadership offices. These images of accommodation and acquiescence to stand in stark contrast to the heavily-militarized police forces assembled last summer to confront nonviolent, unarmed Black Lives Matter protesters.

Put bluntly, the events of January 6 have shaken our confidence in the ability and willingness of the USCP’s leadership to protect the Capitol Building, Members, staff, and sensitive intelligence information from an armed mob.

To ensure that this attack cannot and will not be repeated, we respectfully ask that you investigate the following issues surrounding the January 6, 2021 attack:

• Why were armed insurrectionists not arrested after storming and ransacking the Capitol of the United States and assaulting USCP officers?
• Who made the decision that allowed USCP officers to open barricades, allowing the mob to storm the Capitol?
• Will there be disciplinary consequences for USCP officers who took selfies with or otherwise abetted the rioters while they were inside the Capitol?
• Have far-right extremist groups succeeded in infiltrating the USCP?

 

Thank you for your timely attention to this matter. Failure to provide swift and immediate consequences on both the insurrectionists and those who abetted their attack will only invite further violence.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Donald M. Payne, Jr.

Member of Congress

 

 

 

Sheila Jackson Lee                                                                             André Carson 

Member of Congress                                                                          Member of Congress        

 

 

Jahana Hayes                                                                                      Dwight Evans

Member of Congress                                                                          Member of Congress

 

 

Jim Cooper                                                                                         Ilhan Omar

Member of Congress                                                                          Member of Congress

 

 

Jared Huffman                                                                                    Bobby L. Rush

Member of Congress                                                                          Member of Congress

 

 

 Ann McLane Kuster                                                                          A. Donald McEachin

Member of Congress                                                                          Member of Congress

 

 

Filemon Vela                                                                                      Nikema Williams

Member of Congress                                                                          Member of Congress

 

 

Bill Foster                                                                                           Mark Takano

Member of Congress                                                                          Member of Congress

 

 

Yvette D. Clarke                                                                                 Barbara Lee

Member of Congress                                                                          Member of Congress

 

 

Mondaire Jones                                                                                  Grace Meng

Member of Congress                                                                          Member of Congress

 

 

Judy Chu                                                                                             Vicente Gonzalez

Member of Congress                                                                          Member of Congress

 

 

David N. Cicilline

Member of Congress

 

Washington D.C. council member ask district's Attorney General is Trump can be prosecuted for inciting a riot

In a letter sent Thursday, D.C. Councilmember Robert White (D-At Large) asked District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine to assess whether Trump could be prosecuted for inciting a riot.

Under existing D.C. law, it’s illegal for anyone to “willfully [incite or urge] other persons to engage in a riot,” which the law defines as a gathering of five or more people who, through their actions, create “grave danger of damage or injury to property or persons.”

In his letter, White says that Trump could well have violated this law when he rallied supporters on the Ellipse just ahead of the chaos at the Capitol that left five people dead and suspended the counting of electoral votes for seven hours.

“[Trump] asserted that the presidential election was rigged and corrupt, and supporters heeded the President’s call to go to the Capitol and ‘fight like hell,'” wrote White, himself an attorney. “The resulting violent attack was deliberate and predictable.”

Anyone convicted of inciting a riot can be sentenced to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. The law also specifies that if during a riot “a person suffers serious bodily harm or there is property damage in excess of $5,000,” the possible consequences get significantly more severe: 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

“In response to the terrorist attacks on the Capitol, I took time to think through vulnerabilities going forward, and it quickly occurred to me that not only had the president incited a riot, but that he’s likely to continue doing this after he’s out of office,” White said in an interview. “So I wanted to make sure we have the ability to hold the president accountable both for the terrorist attacks he incited this week and for any time he may do this after he leaves office.”

A spokesman for Racine said his office was “reviewing the letter,” but had no immediate comment on whether prosecuting Trump for inciting a riot would be possible. Earlier today, though, he said on “Good Morning America” that investigations could happen.

[SOURCE: DCIST]