A GOP state lawmaker has been facing backlash after live-streaming the moment he and the MAGA mob invaded the Capitol building.
34-year-old Derrick Evans attended the Washington, DC, rally on Wednesday despite just getting elected into the West Virginia House of Delegates recently.
Before the rioters broke the door and stormed the Capitol, Evans was seen recording and encouraging them by repeatedly shouting: “Trump! Trump! Trump!”
After the mob managed to open the door, Evans followed the rioters inside the building before proclaiming: “We’re in, we’re in, Derrick Evans is in the Capitol!”
Once inside, Evans went on to approach a police officer and defend the rioters saying they “don’t want nobody hurt.”
“It’s nothing personal against you,” the lawmaker told the cop after telling him he still respects him.
With more and more Trump supporters swarming the great halls of the Capitol, Evans then urged those around him not to commit vandalism.
“No vandalizing property! No vandalizing! This is artifacts, alright? No vandalizing,” he shouted.
“I don’t know where we’re going. I’m just following the crowd,” he added before the video ended.
After the footage went viral, Evans quickly removed it from his social media but not before the video was captured and shared by netizens.
Following Evans’ participation in the riot, the state lawmaker has been slammed by both Republicans and Democrats, whereas many have suggested he should not be allowed to return to his position.
“What occurred today is unpatriotic, un-American and I condemn it in the strongest terms possible,” West Virginia House Speaker Roger Hanshaw said according to West Virginia Metro News.
“Like most Americans, I am shocked, saddened, angered and disturbed by the images coming out of our nation’s Capitol today.
“The peaceful transfer of power is a bedrock principle of our republic, and is what has held the United States up as that shining city on a hill for nearly 250 years.
“I have not spoken to Delegate Evans about today’s events, I don’t know the specifics of his involvement, I have only seen what has been posted on social media so far, and I’m sure more details may come out soon. He will need to answer to his constituents and colleagues regarding his involvement in what has occurred today.”
As the Republican also suggested, Evans could face criminal prosecution for the “intentional disruption of one of our nation’s most fundamental political institutions.”
“While free speech and peaceful protests are a core value of American society, storming government buildings and participating in a violent intentional disruption of one of our nation’s most fundamental political institutions is a crime that should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he added.
Replaced!