Stars take to Twitter to denounce Capitol mob violence, Trump's attitude

FROM Chris Evans, Viola Davis and James Gunn to Jim Carrey, Mark Hamill and Stevie Wonder, celebrities have taken to Twitter to speak out in strong terms against the violent storming of the Capitol by pro-Trump rioters on Wednesday, January 6. Many personalities, including politicians, have even called for the deposition of the outgoing US president, Donald Trump.

The unimaginable scenes of chaos have been shown the world over, as the Capitol – the meeting place of the United States Congress and the seat of the legislative branch of the US federal government – was stormed and trashed by a hoard of pro-Trump rioters. Some unbelievable footage was seen on social media, showing the defeated President's supporters entering the building by force and running rampage.

On Twitter, celebrities were quick to condemn the mob's reprehensible actions – actions which were seemingly permitted by the police officers present at the time.

'Glee' star Jane Lynch called for the arrest of those who could be identified, such as a rioter seen carrying a lectern: "Sweet smile. ID him. Arrest him," she wrote in repose to the picture. The FBI has, in fact, set up a platform to collect any evidence that could lead to the identification of people who took part in the riots.

The passive attitude of the police force was widely criticized by stars of the entertainment world, who decried a system with two tiers, two standards, comparing the events to the treatment of black protesters at the Black Lives Matter demonstrations in June 2020. The 'How to Get Away with Murder' star, Viola Davis shared a meme on Twitter showing the (white) lead character in the animated show, 'Family Guy' wearing a cap with the Donald Trump slogan, "Make America Great Again." Next to his face, a color chart shows lighter skin tones being defined as demonstrators while darker skin tones are rioters.

'Captain America', Chris Evans, was even more direct, saying on Twitter: "Just think of the carnage had they not been white."

The American actor and producer Seth Rogen shared a video clip, visibly broadcast live, showing white rioters taking selfies with Capitol police officers.

In light of president Donald Trump's inaction, many celebrities, unknowns and political figures called for his deposition. The actor Dylan O'Brien, the director James Gunn and the actor Mark Ruffalo all shared their anger and pondered the need to end Donald Trump's mandate before the investiture of Joe Biden, January 20.

Music legend Stevie Wonder also used his Twitter account to call on the government to make use of the 25th Amendment to the US Constitution, which would allow vice-president Mike Pence to take power until the investiture of Joe Biden. An opinion seemingly shared by many US citizens following the incredible scenes at the Capitol.

Former US president Barack Obama also took a stance, calling out the violence incited by his successor: "History will rightly remember today's violence at the Capitol, incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election, as a moment of great dishonor and shame for our nation". – ETX Studio, January 8, 2021