We at Libertas are appalled at the events we saw at the Capitol this past Wednesday. While we affirm that the right to assemble is absolute, this was not a peaceful demonstration of grievances. The Trump-supported mob acted violently and flagrantly disobeyed the law in an act of domestic terrorism. Furthermore, the acquiescence to violent Trump supporters stood in stark contrast to the coordinated brutality displayed towards peaceful Black Lives Matter protestors, especially BIPOC protestors, this past summer.
During this time, our primary concern is our clients and their safety. So many of our clients have experienced traumatic political instability and/or persecution in their home countries, and the events of yesterday were no doubt a reminder of the trauma that they have experienced. In addition, refugees and asylum seekers are highly vulnerable populations as a result of the very same white supremacy that played out at the Capitol last week, and we remain very concerned by Trump's violent rhetoric towards immigrants. To our clients: we are here for you.
Dinali Fernando, MD, MPH Executive Director