2021-01-19 12:08:24

Capitol Insurrection Highlights Increasing Radicalization of Right-Wing White Police Officers

At least 28 law enforcement officers from across the United States attended the Trump rally in Washington, D.C., on January 6 that led to the attack on the U.S. Capitol, with some even boasting on social media about taking part in the riot that left five people dead.

BuzzFeed News investigative reporter Albert Samaha says off-duty police officers’ involvement in the insurrection reflects a growing problem of right-wing radicalization in police ranks — a problem Black officers say has gone unaddressed by higher-ups.

Samaha says that while “white supremacist ideology in law enforcement is as old as law enforcement in the U.S.” there was a marked change in tone and attitudes among police officers following the 2014 Ferguson uprising against police brutality.

He says that Donald Trump’s loud support for police against claims of misconduct and systemic violence gave officers new license to express bigoted and extremist views.

“The top came off, and the rhetoric suddenly became acceptable within locker rooms,” he says.

Democracy Now! produces a daily, global, independent news hour hosted by award-winning journalists Amy Goodman and Juan González. 

Our reporting includes breaking daily news headlines and in-depth interviews with people on the front lines of the world’s most pressing issues. 

On DN!, you’ll hear a diversity of voices speaking for themselves, providing a unique and sometimes provocative perspective on global events.

Missed an episode?  Check out DN on FSTV VOD anytime or visit the show page for the latest clips.

#FreeSpeechTV is one of the last standing national, independent news networks committed to advancing progressive social change. 

#FSTV is available on Dish, DirectTV, AppleTV, Roku, Sling, and online at freespeech.org.

Albert Samaha Amy Goodman Buzzfeed News Capitol riots Democracy Now! Donald Trump Free Speech TV Insurrection Police Officers Right-Wing Violence Social Media United States Washington D.C. White Police Officers White Supremacy

Human Rights and Equality

BreakThrough News

BreakThrough News | Texas Wants to "Make America White Again"

BreakThrough News | Texas Wants to "Make America White Again"

This Week In White Supremacy- Presented by 1HoodMedia

This Week In White Supremacy | Instances of Racism Surface During Black History Month - Really?

This Week In White Supremacy | Instances of Racism Surface During Black History Month - Really?

This Week In White Supremacy- Presented by 1HoodMedia

This Week In White Supremacy | Tensions The N Word Creates Amongst Black People and Reclaiming Power

This Week In White Supremacy | Tensions The N Word Creates Amongst Black People and Reclaiming Power

Indian Country Today

Indian Country Today | Tribal Leaders Speak Out Against The Washington Commanders Name Change

Indian Country Today | Tribal Leaders Speak Out Against The Washington Commanders Name Change

Democracy Now! | Power-Held Prejudice: A Deeper Look into Authority and Animosity

Democracy Now! | Power-Held Prejudice: A Deeper Look into Authority and Animosity

The David Pakman Show

The David Pakman Show | Tommy Tuberville Stumbles on IVF Decision

The David Pakman Show | Tommy Tuberville Stumbles on IVF Decision

Democracy Now!

Democracy Now! | Children in are Dying of Malnutrition and U.S. Only Calls for a Six-Week Cease-Fire

Democracy Now! | Children in are Dying of Malnutrition and U.S. Only Calls for a Six-Week Cease-Fire

The Stephanie Miller Show

The Stephanie Miller Show | Don't Underestimate Women This Election Year

The Stephanie Miller Show | Don't Underestimate Women This Election Year

Related

Democracy Now! | Power-Held Prejudice: A Deeper Look into Authority and Animosity

Democracy Now! | Power-Held Prejudice: A Deeper Look into Authority and Animosity

Rising Up With Sonali | How A Yes! Magazine Investigator Debunked Allegations Against Hamas

Rising Up With Sonali | How A Yes! Magazine Investigator Debunked Allegations Against Hamas

Democracy Now!

Democracy Now! | Children in are Dying of Malnutrition and U.S. Only Calls for a Six-Week Cease-Fire

Democracy Now! | Children in are Dying of Malnutrition and U.S. Only Calls for a Six-Week Cease-Fire

This Week In White Supremacy- Presented by 1HoodMedia

This Week In White Supremacy | Days of Old

This Week In White Supremacy | Days of Old

Proud Partners