A West Virginia state lawmaker was among pro-Donald Trump rioters who stormed the US Capitol in Wednesday’s deadly insurrection.
Republican Del. Derrick Evans, a supporter of President Donald Trump, recorded a Facebook Live video in which he can be heard shouting “We’re in! We’re in baby!” while moving among a crowd of rioters as he walked through a doorway of the Capitol.
He has denied taking part in the destruction and violence that left four people dead and multiple officers injured and has since deleted the clip, but not before it was shared on social media and aired by CNN affiliate WCHS. In another video posted to his Facebook page Wednesday morning, Evans laughs as he predicts a riot.
“They’re making an announcement right now saying if (Vice President Mike) Pence betrays us you better get your minds right because we’re storming that building,” he says and then laughs. “I’m just the messenger. Don’t be hating on me. I’m just telling you what I’m hearing right now on the grounds.”
Evans said later Wednesday he only filmed the event as an “independent member of the media to film history,” though it does not appear he has any experience working as one.CNN has called and emailed Evans for additional comment and reached out to the West Virginia Republican Party.
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Because Evans is an elected official, Ramsey explained, he should be censured or recalled for his participation in addition to criminal charges. Wednesday’s riot falls under sedition, Ramsey said, but added that it would ultimately be up to prosecutors on how they wanted to handle it.
“I consider it that, but it is up to a federal prosecutor. I personally think that is appropriate and it sends the right message,” he said.
