A Newfoundlander living in the United States is shocked by the violence that erupted on Capitol Hill yesterday in Washington but says it comes as no surprise.

Four people are dead following yesterday’s breach of the Capitol.

Dr. Rhonda Hackett, a psychiatrist and author living in Colorado, says it was “heartbreaking” to witness what happened.

She sees the events as the “obvious culmination” of what Donald Trump has been doing during his entire presidency.

Dr. Hackett calls it the “natural consequence” of Trump supporters being fed what she says have been “lies and misinformation” over the last four years.

Despite yesterday’s events, Dr. Hackett is hopeful for the future of the country under a Joe Biden government.

Looking back on Trump’s presidency, she believes there’s a lesson to be learned: Democracy is “fragile and precarious,” and we have to fight to get it and maintain it.

MUN President Offers Message of Support

The President of Memorial University is offering a message of support to those who are feeling distressed or overwhelmed by yesterday’s troubling events in the United States.

Vianne Timmons says resources are available for members of the community who may require support.

She acknowledges this is a particularly stressful time for students, faculty and staff, and their families, who are from the United States.

Counsellors are available through Memorial University’s Student Wellness and Counselling Centre, while an Employee Assistance Program is also in place.

The province’s 24-hour mental health crisis line is also available, at 1-888-737-4668 or text ‘talk’ to 686868.