It was a sad day for Democracy, but at least the Ayatollah and Putin are happy.

Chaos at the Capitol

On Wednesday, a mob of President Trump’s supporters breached the nation’s legislative building, leaving an aftermath of four people dead and over 60 arrests, DC officials say.

Videos posted online showed protestors climbing the walls of the building, pushing through police barricades and breaking windows.

There were reports that the noise of the protestors could be heard from inside the Senate and House chambers, shortly before they were overrun.

Lawmakers, staffers, reporters, and other workers in the Capitol went into hiding while heavily armed police and FBI agents executed a response.

DNC Vice Chair Grace Meng wrote on Twitter, “After 5 hours I’ve been rescued from my hiding place. Now I can show you my DIY barricade and gas masks. Protestors were right outside the door chanting ‘USA USA’ it was scary but i am ok! Thanks all for your prayers.”

Congressman Tim Ryan told reporters on Thursday that about 60 Capitol Police officers were injured, including 15 hospitalized. Police also responded to reports that pipe bombs were left at the Republican National Committee and the Democratic National Committee. Both bombs were discovered by police and safely detonated, police said.

In a car on Capitol grounds, law enforcement found a drink cooler full of gasoline bombs and a long gun, D.C. Police Chief Robert Contee told reporters.

The FBI confirmed to NPR that there are ongoing investigations and “two suspected explosive devices were rendered safe by the FBI and our law enforcement partners.”

Contee said the department is working “to identify and hold each and every one of the violent mob accountable.”

Acting U.S. Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen said, “Yesterday, our Nation watched in disbelief as a mob breached the Capitol Building and required federal and local law enforcement to help restore order. The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that those responsible for this attack on our Government and the rule of law face the full consequences of their actions under the law.”

“Our criminal prosecutors have been working throughout the evening with special agents and investigators from the U.S. Capitol Police, FBI, ATF, Metropolitan Police department and the public to gather the evidence, identify perpetrators, and charge federal crimes where warranted,” his statement continued.

“Some participants in yesterday’s violence will be charged today, and we will continue to methodically assess evidence, charge crimes and make arrests in the coming days and weeks to ensure that those responsible are held accountable under the law.”

The Department of Justice has dispatched “hundreds of federal law enforcement officers and agents” to assist the Capitol Police, Rosen added.

As U.S. legislators demand answers and law enforcement agencies investigate, America’s foes are gloating.

“What we saw in the United States yesterday (Wednesday) evening and today shows above all how fragile and vulnerable Western democracy is,” said Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Thursday. On Twitter, Iran’s pro-government account shared photos of the mob and a hashtag: #DownfalloftheUS.

In China, it was much the same sentiment: “On the sixth, the US Congress, a most beautiful sight to behold,” was the caption on a photo montage posted by China’s Youth Communist League.

Russia, not to be outdone, had this to say about the events at the US Capitol: “The losing side has more than enough grounds to accuse the winner of falsifications- it is clear that American democracy is limping on both feet.”

(Contributing journalist, Allegra Nokaj) (Contributing writer, Brooke Bell)