Capitol Riot Squad Member Draws Ire for Holding Hands With Protester Amid Removal From Front Steps

Among the many viral videos from Wednesday’s attack on the U.S. Capitol building is one where a police officer in riot squad gear appears to hold a woman’s hand and lead her gently down the steps of the building in the midst of the attack. The video has sparked outrage, as social media users point out that this woman was among the rioters that wreaked havoc on the home of the U.S. Congress, yet seems to be treated gently. Some are trying to get to the bottom of this strange moment.

The video comes from live cable news coverage of the attack on the Capitol, when hundreds of President Donald Trump‘s supporters broke into the building, ransacked the offices and threatened the lives of the elected leaders within. Yet amid that chaos, few arrests were made and only one insurrectionist was killed. Meanwhile, at least one woman in a “Trump” campaign hat was led gingerly down the steps by an armed officer, presumably after coming unlawfully close to the building, at the very least. Social media wants to understand why, and whole those officers accountable.

Reporters at the fact-checking website Snopes were able to verify the context of this video as it made waves on social media. It is not clear what happened to the woman before or after the clip, although law enforcement experts believe it is unlikely she was being detained judging by the officer’s loose hold on her hands.

The gentle response from Capitol police throughout this attack has infuriated Americans in the aftermath of a historic day for the country. Many have compared their treatment to that of peaceful Black Lives Matter protesters, and find themselves wondering if the Capitol police just showed an extreme, dangerous form of bias — consciously or unconsciously. Here is a look at how the video is playing on social media days later.

BLM Comparisons

Alternatives

Standing Rock

Other Gentle Moments

Other Protesters

Cognitive Dissonance

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