Social studies teacher Brian Kellett

What was your initial reaction to hearing news of the events that transpired at the Capitol building on Wednesday?

“Shock and horror.”

Would you consider the people who entered the building protestors, rioters or something different?

“They are definitely rioters. They are definitely people who were engaged in the insurrection. People can disagree on the use of words they use to describe them but I think it’s clear that many of them are engaged in violent acts of insurrection and domestic terrorism.”

How do you feel these actions will affect the future of our country and what steps should be taken next by our lawmakers?

“Lawmakers should make sure they do everything in their power to hold accountable everyone responsible for the actions in the Capitol. All lawmakers are modeling honesty and truth in what they discuss and share with the public. With regards to the future of the country, I think that the events that occurred on the Capitol are going to be something that the country has to deal with for a long time when it comes to talking and promoting our values around the world. 

Do you believe the 25th Amendment (which states if the President becomes unable to do his job, the Vice President will assume the role of the President) should be exercised in response to the president’s words and actions on the day of the Capitol shutdown?

“I think that the 25th Amendment certainly would have been appropriate given the fact that there was certainly a lack of involvement and response on the part of the President trying to suppress the riots, the insurrection, the act of terrorism that was occurring. Mike Pence has already said the 25th Amendment will not be invoked so now it’s about what are the next steps that our government wants to take.”