On January 6, 2021, we experienced a moment in history we will never forget. Across the nation, people watched as  “protesters” broke into the capitol building with little to no immediate consequences. Kids like me are sitting at their homes watching this significant ordeal go down. How could a small town like Aspen view this? How are little kids and older kids looking at this?  

Bill Linn, the assistant chief of police at the Aspen Police Department, commented on what happened.

“I think it was a terrible way for people to convey their ideas about government. And that when protests become violent, or destructive that any message they wish to get through gets taken over by the destruction and the damage and, and the violence,” Linn said. 

Many consider this even an act of terrorism. Terrorism can be defined in many ways, but Linn has a clear perspective.

“Terrorism is, is a couple of different things. There are definitions of terrorism that it doesn’t fit, but terrorism is also a very political word. And since there are politicians out there who were using it in the context of this situation. And clearly, they are defining it as terrorism,” Linn said.

The recent events caused panic to everyone. As a nation, we have become divided in a time where we need to be together. Be kind to each other, be there for each other. And be courteous of your actions. Aspen is a very close-knit community, so as that community, we need to try our best to stay together and let it keep being the most amazing and beautiful place despite different views we may have.