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Dozens of deaths and billions in property damage during BLM and Antifa riots in 2020 were celebrated by Washington Democrats as “mostly peaceful protests.” But when a comparative light whiff of the protest whirlwind came to their door on 6 January 2021, it was a different narrative: insurrection.
Democrats who downplayed violence and destruction affecting private citizens voted on Thursday to keep a permanent National Guard presence for themselves.
The $2 billion spending package contains a provision for adding permanent military troops stationed at the Capitol. It substantially beefs up police protection and adds other measures, including:
- $529 million to harden the Capitol with stronger doors and windows;
- New screening vestibules for police;
- “Pop-up” fences that could be activated in the event of popular protests;
- $10 million for police body cameras, riot gear, and other equipment.
The controversial bill narrowly passed 213-212, with Republicans voting no joined by three Democrats. Three additional Democrats voted “present.”
From “Defunding Police” in 2020 To Privileged Protection in 2021
Prominent House Democrats who supported and even egged on violent protests in 2020 voted yes on the bill, including Nancy Pelosi, Maxine Waters, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
In 2020, then Presidential candidate Joe Biden notably avoided criticizing or characterizing BLM and Antifa protests as widespread chaos, including the deadly violence and enormous property damage that engulfed cities and towns across the country.
Many Democrats pushed initiatives to defund police departments, and demoralized police stopped enforcing laws, leaving citizens and businesses as open targets for violence and destruction.
In June 2020, amid some of the worst violence, Kamala Harris advocated for the protests to continue:
“They’re not going to stop. They’re not going to stop… This is a movement, I’m telling you. They’re not gonna stop. And everyone beware because they’re not gonna stop. They’re not gonna stop before Election Day and they’re not going to stop after Election Day. And everyone should take note of that. They’re not gonna let up and they should not.”
That month, leftist protesters gathered at the White House and committed violent acts, including torching a church across the street. President Trump drew scorn from Democrats and the MSM for authorizing police to clear protesters, so he could visit the church and condemn the violence.
Permanent Military Force Opposed By Republicans
Republicans who voted against the bill pointed out the constitutional problems it represented. House Armed Services Committee ranking member Mike Rogers and Senate Armed Services Committee ranking member James Inhofe said in a joint statement:
“Security of the Capitol Complex must remain the responsibility of federal civilian law enforcement. Use of the uniformed military in D.C. and the Capitol Complex is subject to complex statutory restrictions, and for good reason. We cannot and should not militarize the security of the Capitol Complex.”
The objections could complicate passage in the Senate, where ten Republican senators must vote with all Democrats to advance the measure.