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"The most dystopian s--- I've ever heard."
Wednesday's inauguration was a joyous, hopeful, uplifting, and somewhat relieving event.
But it was also tinged with moments of sadness — such as when Twitter discovered members of Congress reportedly came to the ceremony wearing body armor.
With the riots that besmirched that very Capitol just a fortnight ago still fresh in everyone's mind, the fear of further violence made an unwelcome but unavoidable backdrop to what should have been an open celebration.
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View StoryAs ABC News discussed what attendees were wearing, the broadcaster casually dropped the fact that some outfits bore bulletproof plating underneath, a detail that simply dismayed many of those watching online.
"That 'members of Congress are wearing body armor' just keeps reverberating on my brain," one wrote.
"can we discuss the fact that all of congress and the senate are wearing body armor under their coats in case of an attack? from our own citizens," another added.
"If ABC talking about the fashion and then casually talking about the body armor that members of Congress are wearing under the fashion isn't the most dystopian s--- I've ever heard," a third lamented.
Some speculated that Lady Gaga and even the newly sworn in Vice President Kamala Harris may have been wearing protection.
Others used news to hammer home the point about the need for further gun control, pointing out that schoolchildren are routinely forced to undergo drills because of the constant threat.
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View StoryThey just mentioned on ABC that many members of Congress are wearing body armor underneath their clothes. An incredible reminder that as federal investigators say, Congressmen and Congresswomen could've been killed two weeks ago.
— Deanna Allbrittin (@deannaTVnews) January 20, 2021 @deannaTVnews
That “members of Congress are wearing body armor” just keeps reverberating on my brain.
— Stacy Kraus McDonald (@arosyoutlook) January 20, 2021 @arosyoutlook
can we discuss the fact that all of congress and the senate are wearing body armor under their coats in case of an attack?
— yennefer of vengerberg (@gina_fimognari) January 20, 2021 @gina_fimognari
from our own citizens.
If ABC talking about the fashion and then casually talking about the body armor that members of Congress are wearing under the fashion isn’t the most dystopian shit I’ve ever heard
— Devon Pine (@becausedevon89) January 20, 2021 @becausedevon89
It is fucking sad that Democrats are greeting one another by tapping on each other's body armor.
— Madelynn Conrad (@MadelynnConrad) January 20, 2021 @MadelynnConrad
Let's hope today is the start of a new, more positive chapter. #InagurationDay2021
Wow some members of Congress are wearing body armor, ABC News says. A reminder things are still scary in D.C.
— Tonya Riley (@TonyaJoRiley) January 20, 2021 @TonyaJoRiley
I needed to turn it off. Between all the people in close quarters and the news that some members of Congress are wearing body armor, the anxiety was building too much.
— Mackenzie Walton (@mackenziewalton) January 20, 2021 @mackenziewalton
To see Inauguration Day filled with body armor truly breaks my heart. Our leaders should not have to live in fear of the American people, but this is our world. Prayers be to all for peace, equality, and change.
— Chelsey (@chelseykincaid_) January 20, 2021 @chelseykincaid_
It’s so disappointing to know that members of Congress are wearing body armor bc of what happened at the capital. They’re protecting themselves from trump supporters and that’s so sad.
— s a r i n a✨ (@sarinataylor4) January 20, 2021 @sarinataylor4
Wearing Body Armor at the Inauguration feels so un-American but also fitting during these times.
— Melee (@TheMeleeChamp) January 20, 2021 @TheMeleeChamp
It’s sad to me to see them in body armor, specifically the women, because they are and will forever be critiqued differently on their look, their style, their bodies. #Inauguration2021
— Mary J 💕 (@authenticxmj) January 20, 2021 @authenticxmj
Crying at Kamala.
— Kristen Roedel (she/her) 🏳️🌈 is #AmQuerying (@KristenRoedel) January 20, 2021 @KristenRoedel
Not thrilled that they announced they’re wearing body armor. Asking for trouble.
so many historical things happening at this inauguration but the strangest by far is people in body armor & face masks surrounded by military police and the national guard
— Carly (@carlsraye) January 20, 2021 @carlsraye
Many of them are wearing body armor and there are 25k plus National Guard troops protecting our capitol. This isn't done by far. Accountability = Unity
— Dee (@HerbGardenDJ) January 20, 2021 @HerbGardenDJ
Masks and body armor and 15000 troops and nobody on the crowd- all because the previous president and his violent, diseased maniac supporters were such abject failures as Americans and as humans. Never forget their villainy.
— Tim Doyle- SERIOUS ARTIST PERSON GUY. (@NakatomiTim) January 20, 2021 @NakatomiTim
So refreshing to see Americas leadership united in Americas interest. Trump definitely did not belong here...as body armor is worn..
— Yourwinner (@Yourwinner3) January 20, 2021 @Yourwinner3
So sad that many of them are wearing body armor #InaugurationDay
— Deena Jones (@Keyonce_Dash) January 20, 2021 @Keyonce_Dash
I blame those who have contributed to the need to wear body armor. Armor which by the way they can expense directly to US taxpayers.
— tak (@tak_twitt) January 20, 2021 @tak_twitt
imagine having to wear body armor on a day you should be rejoicing #Inauguration
— Emychuxx 🇳🇬🇺🇸 (@3mychuxx) January 20, 2021 @3mychuxx
"Some of these Congress people are wearing body armor." Literally dont give a fuck, goddman grade schoolers have been doing active shooter drills in anticipation of a shooting that happens every 77 days. Pass some fucking gun control.
— crumpled newspaper on a park bench (@benjie_lewis) January 20, 2021 @benjie_lewis
SO bizarre to hear @ABCPolitics reporting that Congress members at #Inauguration have on body armor under their coats. They face ONE attack and get body armor, but CONSTANT school shootings and we see no protection? Gun control NOW.
— ᎤᎵ / Uli (@MamaPluto) January 20, 2021 @MamaPluto
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