Newly-elected West Virginia Delegate Derrick Evans was among the throng of attackers at the US Capitol Wednesday (January 6).
Evans, a Republican from Wayne County, West Virginia, was sworn in for his first term in the states’ House of Delegates last month.
According to a report by NPR, the state lawmaker streamed the moments he and other rioters stormed the US Capitol building on his Facebook page. Throughout the day, Evans was on his social media account filming him on the grounds of the Capitol and just outside the building.
The video of Evans actually entering the building was deleted, but not before several social media users shared it and made copies.
One of the videos captures someone yelling, “We’re in! We’re in! Derrick Evans is in the Capitol!” just as hundreds force their way through the doors of the Capitol.
Evans posted to Facebook around 6 p.m. stating that he was on a bus back to his home state, claiming he didn’t have any “negative interactions” with police authorities. He also alleges that he didn’t take part in “any destruction that may have occurred.”
West Virginia House Speaker Roger Hanshaw released a statement condemning the violence at the US Capitol:
“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.”
Hanshaw added, “He will need to answer to his constituents and colleagues regarding his involvement in what occurred today.”
Leaders of the West Virginia Democratic Party in the state Belinda Biafore and Rod Snyder both called for Evans’ resignation.
A spokesperson for Speaker Hanshaw said his office is investigating and “will evaluate all the potential consequences once the totality of the situation is understood.”
Photo: Getty Images