Trump supporters attending a “Stop the Steal” rally-turned-violent-riot, stormed the U.S. Capitol building stalling the certification of Joe Biden as the next president of the United States, late Wednesday afternoon.
According to the Associated Press, at least one person was shot, five weapons have been recovered and 13 people have been arrested. Police on full riot gear deployed tear gas and percussion grenades to clear people from the Capitol building and the surrounding area. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser also announced 6PM curfew for the city.
During the uprising, several religious leaders took a stance against the violence and issued statements condemning the riots caused by Trump supporters.
Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, condemned the actions, calling it “unleashed anarchy.” He tweeted, “What we are seeing in Washington now is the refutation of our American commitment, a form of unleashed anarchy which is the enemy of ordered liberty, and President Trump is responsible now for unleashing mayhem. Pray that God will rescue is from this.”
What we are seeing in Washington now is the refutation of our American commitment, a form of unleashed anarchy which is the enemy of ordered liberty, and President Trump is responsible now for unleashing mayhem. Pray that God will rescue is from this.
— Albert Mohler (@albertmohler) January 6, 2021
Southern Baptist Convention President J.D. Greear asked the President to condemn the uprising.
“Peaceable transitions of power have marked our Republic since the beginning. It is part of honoring and submitting to God’s ordained leaders whether they were our choice or not. We need you, @POTUS to condemn this mob. Let’s move forward together. Praying for safety.”
https://twitter.com/RickWarren/status/1346917979200475142
Senior Pastor of Saddleback Church, Pastor Rick Warren echoed these sentiments writing, “Armed breaching of capitol security behind a confederate flag is anarchy, unAmerican, criminal treason and domestic terrorism. President Trump must clearly tell his supporters ‘We lost. Go home now.’”
https://twitter.com/RickWarren/status/1346917979200475142
In a tweet that followed, Rick Warren offered Biblical insight on what it means to be a godly leader, using Proverbs 29:4 (TEV).
Author and Pastor at Oak Hills Church Max Lucado, also voiced disgust over the attacks and offered prayers over the situation. He wrote, “Deeply disturbed by today’s chaos in DC. Joining with all who are praying for a return to tranquility and peace.”
Deeply disturbed by today's chaos in DC. Joining with all who are praying for a return to tranquility and peace.
— Max Lucado (@MaxLucado) January 6, 2021
Christian speaker and author Beth Moore insisted that the Jesus some of the rioters were touting was not the Jesus of the Bible. “I don’t know the Jesus some have paraded and waved around in the middle of this treachery today. They may be acting in the name of some other Jesus but that’s not Jesus of the Gospels,” she wrote.
I don't know the Jesus some have paraded and waved around in the middle of this treachery today. They may be acting in the name of some other Jesus but that's not Jesus of the Gospels.
— Beth Moore (@BethMooreLPM) January 6, 2021
President Trump issued a controversial statement to the Trump supporters turned rioters, on Wednesday, saying that he loves them, but they need to go home.
“I know your pain. I know your hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us. It was a landslide election, and everyone knows it, especially the other side, but you have to go home now. We have to have peace… We love you, you’re very special… I know how you feel, but go home,” he said.
