The People's Revolution In Milwaukee Responds To Capitol Breach

MILWAUKEE COUNTY, WI— A faction of Milwaukee's Black Lives Matter movement calling itself "The People's Revolution" posted a response to angry insurrectionists loyal to President Donald Trump who stormed the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday.

The group's statement talked about the disparities in law enforcement responses to protests and civil unrest and those of political insurrectionists.

"During the summer of 2020, TPR and similar Black Lives Matter groups across the country were met by members of the National Guard, and law enforcement from numerous agencies equipped and prepared in riot gear awaiting our non-violent protests calling for justice, transparency, accountability, and equity due to police brutality.

We were met with a full local police force and authority to use tear gas, rubber bullets, and arrest. Protests mind you that is protected by the U.S. Constitution, yet condemned by individuals and groups who wish to dilute and suppress the demand of valuing the lives of black men and women slain by those who are called to protect and serve us all.

"January 6, 2021 will forever be etched in the eyes of world onlookers when privilege allowed for thousands of rioters encouraged by the President to violently storm into the US Capitol, endangering inside the lives of Congressional leaders, staff, and essential workers, visibly destroying federal property, causing harm to law enforcement but ironically allowed to walk away without arrest or consequence.

We live in a tale of two criminal justice systems for black and brown people and now two very stark differences of discretion, accountability and, condemnation for what is deemed as a protest versus a riot.

However, this is the narrative and it was on full display for the entire world to see. America we have a problem that needs to be addressed.

Our fight isn't to counter the violent actions of yesterday, our fight is justice driven and justice-focused. We will continue to march and take action to change laws to see a more equitable and just society for Black people.

Whose side are you on my people?"

Wednesday's mayhem overwhelmed Capitol Police, who evacuated members of Congress as violence escalated, and a California woman was shot to death. Three other deaths were reported around the Capitol grounds. D.C.'s police chief said one woman and two men suffered fatal medical emergencies.

Metropolitan Police in DC made 69 arrests from Wednesday afternoon into the night for curfew violations and other offenses. A Hill reporter shared a copy of the arrest log, which showed many of those cited were from North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Maryland.

Michael O'Connell, Patch Staff, contributed to this report.