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LeBron James Intensely Responds to U.S. Capitol Riot

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James took to Instagram on Thursday with some pointed comments after the riot on the U.S. Capitol.

James posted a picture of himself wearing a shirt that says “Do You Understand Now?” along with comments that took direct aim at those who stormed the Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

This is not the first time for LeBron James to make comments after serious incidents.

Since the police killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and the shooting of Jacob Blake, James has been very public about his frustrations. His stance has not been without getting a backlash.

Several people say they’ll no longer watch the NBA because of players like James who have taken political positions. Ratings for the NBA playoffs are way down this year, and “players playing politics” is one of the driving factors.

He was a leader in the NBA players’ decision to not take the court. In other race-related matters, James has taken to social media as well as interviews to raise awareness about social injustices.

On Wednesday, supporters of President Donald Trump stormed and occupied areas of the U.S. Capitol. They were expressing their displeasure over the Electoral College vote process. Trump has repeatedly claimed that the presidential election was fraudulent and stolen.

Early Thursday morning, that process was completed and Congress formally named Joe Biden as President and Kamala Harris as Vice President.

Four people died in Wednesday’s events with one woman being shot and three others dying from other “medical emergencies.”

LeBron James Says He Doesn’t Condone Police Violence

Back in September 2020, LeBron James said he doesn’t condone violence against police in an interview. However, his critics claim his rhetoric could inspire someone to attack officers.

“I’ve never in my 35 years ever condoned violence. Never have,” James said. A reporter asked him if putting a spotlight on police brutality could incite violence against law enforcement.

A lone gunman ambushed two LA County Sheriff deputies while they sat in a patrol car in Compton, Calif., on Sept. 12, according to the NY Post. They were both shot multiple times and were rushed to the hospital in critical condition. However, they both survived, though they have a long road of recovery ahead of them, KTLA reported.

As of Sept. 23, no arrests have been made.

Conservative firebrand Candace Owens implicated James and other celebrities in this case. She tweeted attacks such as the one in Compton were the “natural result” or their “hyperbolic, dishonest rhetoric.”

H/T: NBC News