Statement on the Violent Attacks by Rioters on the U.S. Capitol Building

January 7, 2021

Women of Color Advancing Peace, Security and Conflict Transformation (WCAPS) is condemns yesterday's violent attacks on the U.S. Capitol Building. Rioters breached the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to interrupt lawmakers carrying out their constitutionally mandated role in the peaceful transfer of power.  Undermining this tradition, which is a hallmark of our nation’s history, the mob assault was an attack on our democratic process. It should remind us how fragile our political system and processes are.

However, we would be remiss to say that we are surprised by yesterday's actions. Black and Brown communities have weathered the destructive power of white supremacy for as long as America has existed. What we witnessed at the U.S. Capitol is America, and this has always been America. While the majority of Americans have moved through life able to turn away from the reality that this aspect of America exists, those in communities most affected, communities of color, have seen that reality in their lives every day.

The double-standard in policing Black and Brown people was once again made painfully clear by the police response during yesterday’s attempted coup. During the Black Lives Matter protests in Washington, D.C., the D.C. National Guard stood on the U.S. Capitol steps, armed and in riot gear, whereas yesterday’s mob had breached and ransacked the U.S. Capitol Building before the D.C. National Guard was activated.

We must acknowledge the gravity of this attack and clearly recognize its origin in white supremacy and a lack of accountability. To succeed in our work in a country that continues to reinforce systematic racism, we must challenge every manifestation of these ideals. In that respect, we stand by the commitments we developed in  OrgsInSolidarity, a project aimed at combating racism and discrimination through structural and institutional change and we will continue working with our partner organizations in that important work. We also reassert the points in the Statement Against Racism and Discrimination in all its forms.

WCAPS remains optimistic in the U.S. government's ability to move forward and in the inevitable progress that we can achieve, but only by working together, holding those who harm our democracy accountable, and respecting and incorporating diverse leadership and perspectives that represent all of America. 

Onward.