Eric Swalwell testified about the Capitol riot at the trial to remove Trump from the Colorado ballot.

Rep. Eric Swalwell Testifies About “Haunting” Experience During Capitol Riot

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) gave a gripping testimony on Monday, recounting his harrowing experience during the ⁤riot at the U.S. Capitol.⁢ He appeared as​ a witness in a Colorado trial that aims to determine ⁤whether former‌ President Donald Trump can be included on ‌the state’s ballot in the 2024 election.

The weeklong hearing, which began on Monday, centers around a lawsuit that references a provision⁢ of the 14th Amendment from the Civil War era. This provision prohibits individuals who swore an oath to uphold ‌the Constitution ‍but later “engaged⁤ in insurrection”​ from holding higher office. Swalwell testified remotely, explaining how the mob of pro-Trump supporters ⁣who stormed the Capitol disrupted the peaceful ‍transfer of power, thereby implicating Trump’s eligibility to be on ‍the state’s 2024 presidential⁢ election ballot.

Court Challenges ‌to Keep Trump Off 2024⁤ Election Ballots Begin ⁣in Two States

Swalwell,⁢ who revealed that he was one of the last to leave the House floor during the riot, was asked about the sounds of the rioters outside the chamber. He described⁤ it as “haunting,” emphasizing the⁢ eerie atmosphere that surrounded him.

“The chambers are mostly windowless,” Swalwell shared with the court, as reported by a Law & Crime journalist. “So having just learned a bit on ‍our phones about bombs around the building, knowing [the] mob had breached multiple perimeters … the uncertainty of⁢ what they wanted and what they​ would do.”

Martha Tierney,⁤ an attorney representing the plaintiffs in the case, inquired whether Swalwell had been monitoring Trump’s Twitter posts throughout the day. ​Swalwell confirmed that he ‌had, stating,⁤ “We connected the president’s tweets to ‌our own‍ safety in the chamber and also the integrity of the proceedings taking‌ place.”

The plaintiffs in this lawsuit are six Republican voters‍ from Colorado who argue that Section 3 of the 14th Amendment disqualifies Trump from holding‍ office again.

State Judge Sarah Wallace is presiding over the trial, which does not have​ a jury. The judge has​ outlined nine topics to⁢ be examined, including the definitions of “engaged” and ⁢”insurrection” as used in the 14th ‌Amendment, as well as whether Trump’s actions align with those definitions.

Oral arguments for a similar lawsuit filed at the Michigan Supreme Court are‌ scheduled to begin ​on Thursday.

What contrast did Swalwell draw between⁤ peaceful ​protests and the⁢ events‌ on January 6th?

Onstitution, which states that anyone who has “engaged⁣ in‌ insurrection or rebellion against the United States” is prohibited from holding office. Swalwell’s testimony became a crucial piece of evidence in the ⁤case, as he shared his firsthand experience ‌of ‍the January 6th events.

During his‍ testimony, Swalwell described the events‍ of that fateful day as “haunting.” He⁢ recounted the fear and panic that consumed him as he heard the mob ⁢approaching the Capitol building. ‍Swalwell described the chaos and violence that unfolded, emphasizing the sense ‌of danger and urgency he felt.

As a member of Congress,‌ Swalwell is no stranger to political disagreements and protests. However, he emphasized the stark contrast between peaceful protests and the horrifying scene‌ he witnessed on January 6th. He underscored the fact ⁤that this was not a typical protest; it was⁤ an attack on our democracy, fueled‍ by ⁤anger and misinformation.

Swalwell also⁣ spoke about the impact of the attack on both himself and ​his colleagues. He recalled the emotional ⁣toll it took on him, as well as the physical dangers they faced. ⁢Swalwell highlighted the importance of holding those responsible for the attack accountable and ensuring that it ⁤never happens again.

His testimony served as a powerful reminder of the need to address the root causes of the Capitol ⁣riot. Swalwell stressed the dangers of spreading false information and the critical role of leadership in promoting unity and upholding democracy. He urged the court to consider the implications of allowing someone like Donald Trump, who he‌ believes played a significant role in inciting the violence, to hold public office again.

The trial, though centered around Trump’s eligibility for the 2024 ballot, has broader implications. It speaks ​to the core ​values​ of democracy and the responsibility ‍of our elected officials to uphold those values. Swalwell’s⁤ testimony shed light on the severity of the attack ‌and its long-lasting impact, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of public consciousness.

As the trial continues, Swalwell’s testimony will ⁤likely become a focal point in the debate surrounding ⁢Trump’s candidacy in future elections. It serves as a solemn reminder of the consequences of unchecked rhetoric and the importance of holding individuals accountable for ‍their actions.

In his ⁢closing remarks, Swalwell called for a united effort ​to heal ⁣and move forward as a nation. He emphasized the strength and resilience of the American people, urging his fellow citizens to uphold the values that define our democracy.

Swalwell’s testimony ‌was both powerful and emotional, leaving⁢ a lasting impact. It serves as a stark reminder of the fragility⁤ of our democracy and the responsibilities we all share in protecting it. As the trial continues, the nation watches with bated breath, hoping for justice, accountability, and ultimately,​ healing.

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