On January 6, police officers from the city of Colorado Springs, Colorado, awoke early to attend a hearing for the purpose of deciding the fate of President Donald Trump’s bid to get on the November ballot.
The hearing was held in response to a petition launched by three city residents to block Trump from the ballot, challenging his eligibility based on his 2020 primary results in the state of Colorado. At the hearing, police officers were among those who testified about the conditions of the day, as well as their own experiences.
In their testimonies, the police officers recalled a chaotic morning. From the start, the atmosphere in the Centennial State Capitol Rotunda was tense. Inside the chamber, several people were shouting and arguing, taking offensive and often derogatory positions. The police officers stated that it quickly became clear that the situation was heading in the wrong direction, and without intervention, chaos would ensue.
Further, officers stated that the situation was further complicated by the presence of armed individuals who had descended on the capital. They reported that many of these individuals had come to voice their objection to the petitioners’ efforts, and that some had even utilized “arming language.”
The police officers had to utilize a high level of professionalism in order to restore order. They had to separate the parties and create an environment in which people could peacefully express their opinions while still respecting the rule of law.
Ultimately, the hearing concluded with the Colorado Supreme Court denying the petitioners’ request to have Trump’s name removed from the ballot. Despite the intensity of the situation, the police officers did their job and ensured the safety of those in attendance.
For their bravery and dedication, the officers should be commended. By captaining their own vessel in a sea of emotions and chaos, they showed poise and strength of character. It is through their efforts that the hearing concluded without violence and Trump’s name remained on the ballot.