Your Crisis Response briefing

Hi John — there's an unmistakable feeling of
apprehension as Amnesty International USA’s crisis response team readies
ourselves for tomorrow's Inauguration at the Capitol. You likely have similar
feelings of concern.

Less than two weeks ago, white supremacists and militias stormed and breached
the exact location where incoming President-Elect Biden will be sworn in. I was
there, documenting what I saw and interviewing people on the ground, including
journalists and law enforcement.

Since that day, my team has been working day and night to leverage our
investigations and our influence in order to ensure that law enforcement
officers protect people from violence, without excessive force or human rights
restrictions, and that state and local officials across the U.S. prevent further
intimidation and abuse by white supremacists and armed hate groups.

Here’s where you come in — please, make an emergency donation to fuel Amnesty’s
crisis response at this critical juncture.
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Any amount makes a difference, and will be put to work immediately where it’s
needed most.

Sincerely,
Brian


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U.S. EMERGENCY CRISIS RESPONSE: HELP NOW »
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John,

You’ve no doubt seen footage of the attack on the Capitol in D.C. It was
shocking and heart wrenching for us all.

I was there on the ground as a crisis investigator for Amnesty International.
And unfortunately, what you saw on video was only a partial view of the violence
that occurred. I want to brief you on what I witnessed, but first — on behalf of
my team, I ask you to support our preparation for the days ahead by making an urgent donation to support Amnesty’s crisis response at this critical
juncture.
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I have been deployed to violent situations all over the world, from Ukraine to
Kosovo. But last week, the appalling events I witnessed were close to home. After President Trump riled up his rally at the White House with dangerous
rhetoric that provoked violence, thousands of his supporters, including armed
white supremacist groups, marched to the Capitol, where police were completely
overwhelmed and underprepared.

I was there, documenting and interviewing people in the crowds, as well as
journalists and law enforcement.

Here’s a snapshot of what I saw and heard:

Roving groups were hunting for journalists to attack, based on the name of their
news agencies, as a mob destroyed the equipment of broadcast news reporters. The
crowd was chanting calls to hang the Vice President and hunting for legislators
including the Speaker of the House, many of whom were still sheltering in place
inside. Individuals toting Trump and Gadsden flags were pushing and threatening
law enforcement officers, shouting, “ Traitors get the rope! ” People were armed with crowbars, pepper spray, truncheons, a pitchfork, and
other weapons. People wearing bulletproof vests were masquerading as press.
Armed hate groups and militias, including Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, were
present in high numbers. Active military personnel were among those in the crowd
at the Capitol whom I spoke to during the violence.

John, as a crisis investigator, my research exposes
human rights abuses like these in real time, helping to credibly publicize them,
to stop them, and to ensure accountability. Our reports are used by the government, decision makers, and even law
enforcement agencies to prevent more violations from happening again. My colleagues and I met with D.C. police leadership in advance of the
post-election violence, in an effort to push them to prevent and address ongoing
threats by white supremacist armed groups, some of whom attacked the Capitol
last week.

Now, as we prepare for the precarious and uncertain week ahead, we must each do
our part to be vigilant, engaged and responsible. Please, help by making an emergency donation to support Amnesty’s crisis
response team.
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Support Our Crisis Response
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Amnesty International accepts zero dollars from governments for our research and
campaigning — we fully depend on people like you during very uncertain moments
like this.

Over the weekend and leading up to Inauguration Day, my team and I are preparing
to respond to every single possible scenario. Our primary focus is to ensure
that law enforcement officers protect all people from violence. We are also
working with elected state and local officials to prevent further intimidation
and violence by white supremacist armed groups.

After years abroad as a crisis investigator, I returned to work in the U.S. in
2017 because I felt human rights here at home were in peril. And while Amnesty
has been documenting and exposing authoritarian violence and human rights
violations around the world for over 60 years, the next few days and weeks will
be a bellwether moment for human rights.

Please join with us on the right side of history. »
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Sincerely,

Brian Griffey

Regional Researcher and Advisor, North America
Amnesty International

DONATE NOW
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