Maurice Appelbaum seems to be grasping at straws in his attempt to differentiate the Capitol insurrection and BLM movement (“Thoughts on the Capitol Insurrection and the BLM Movement,” January 21, 2021). First, he states that “no one… died or was killed by BLM protestors.” Actually, at least nine people were killed during BLM protests, and seven people were killed during lootings (related to BLM protests). There were also two fatal shootings in Seattle’s self-declared “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone” as well as constant BLM mob harassment of people dining outside in different cities.

In addition, to seemingly dismiss the destruction of commercial stores, which are people’s livelihoods, is extremely uncaring. The BLM riots were encouraged by political leaders, such as Speaker Nancy Pelosi as well as Vice President Kamala Harris, who also sought to assist in bailing out rioters who had been arrested. The BLM riots continue to terrorize cities across America to this day. Bottom line: Both the Capitol and BLM riots should be equally condemned.