Marshall County Republicans Chair Reed Riskedahl said watching what was happening in Washington, D.C. was difficult.

“It was an affront to the values of the Republican Party,” Riskedahl said. “We support free speech and vigorous debate of ideas. We also support the Constitutional principal of the peaceful transition of power.”

The mob was composed of Republican President Donald Trump supporters, who urged them to march on the Capitol Wednesday morning during a rally contesting the November election results. There are theories the mob was actually made up of Anifa and Black Lives Matter members. Riskedahl said like with most things, there are a million theories.

“I want a full investigation of who they were, why they did it and where they were from,” he said. “The folks who violated the Capitol need to be held to the fullest extent of the law.”

Violent protesters, loyal to President Donald Trump, storm the Capitol, Wednesday, in Washington. It's been a stunning day as a number of lawmakers and then the mob of protesters tried to overturn America's presidential election, undercut the nation's democracy and keep Democrat Joe Biden from replacing Trump in the White House.

Marshalltown Mayor Joel Greer said he would not discount the theories.

“When there were demonstrations here, there were concerns about outside rabble rousers coming in and causing trouble,” Greer said.

He was appalled at what he was watching.

“It almost made me cry,” Greer said. “I can’t imagine how we got to people storming the halls of Congress and being encouraged by the President of the United States. It is disgusting and I am sorry we have gotten to that point.”

In the classroom

DC National Guard stand outside the Capitol, Wednesday night, after a day of rioting protesters. It's been a stunning day as a number of lawmakers and then the mob of protesters tried to overturn America's presidential election, undercut the nation's democracy and keep Democrat Joe Biden from replacing Trump in the White House.

Some teachers in Marshalltown High School turned on televisions so students could see what was happening in Washington, D.C. School staff received some tips on how to address big national events with students. Some of the tips included listening to concerns and questions of students, protecting them by using a discerning eye when it comes to information and becoming a model by helping them figure out ways to help.

Principal Jacque Wyant said she asked staff members if students had any concerns or fears after the Capitol was overtaken and lawmakers evacuated.

“They were curious as to what was going on,” she said. “We have been very observant of what students have been talking about during the last few months because of the climate. Yesterday no one was upset, there was no talk of joining movements.”

Primarily, discussions of Wednesday’s events occurred in social studies classrooms. Wyant said those instructors have the necessary resources to address such events, and she assured there is no indoctrination going on. In the last few months, there has been vocal opinions throughout the country of students in public school districts being presented only one side of divisive issues.

“As educators, we know if we present one side, we need to present the other,” Wyant said. “On anything we talk about – from slaughtering of cattle to abortion. That is the beauty of our democracy. People can choose what they believe and our teachers are very careful about that.”

On the outskirts, there was no one in classrooms at Marshalltown Community College, as students will return on Jan. 19. However, Chancellor Kristie Fisher said when big events happen, they have no formal way to get current information to the students, who might already be up-to-date through social media apps on smartphones or tablets. When big events happen, Fisher said staff will find ways to tie it into the curriculum.

“We want to help the students become better citizens and well-rounded individuals,” she said.

Law enforcement

As the Capitol Police worked to subdue the mob and protect the elected Congress members, Marshall County Sheriff Steve Hoffman was going about his day, busy in meetings. He did not know what was going on until a friend sent him a message which piqued his curiosity. What he found troubled him.

“Over the course of the last year, there have been many opportunities to consider the frustrations and views of others. What does not change, what is unwavering, is the Constitution and the rule of law,” Hoffman said. “Individuals or groups bent on lawless behavior is unacceptable in a democratic republic. I understand passions that lead to strong emotions and the call for our representatives to represent constituents, not the government, whatever your view. Elected officials should be held accountable on election day. As I listen to people debate whether the events [Wednesday] and those over the last year were ‘mostly peaceful’ or ‘unbridled lawlessness,’ the lack of civility and violence cannot be supported and I am saddened for our children to see this display as well as the eyes of the world.”

Contact Lana Bradstream at lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.