Derrick Evans, a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates, resigned on Saturday after participating in the attack on the United States Capitol.
“The past few days have certainly been a difficult time for my family, my colleagues and me, so I think it is better now to give up my seat on the Chamber and focus on my personal situation and the people I love,” said Evans. in a statement. “I take full responsibility for my actions and deeply regret any hurt, pain or embarrassment that may have caused my family, friends, constituents and comrades in West Virginia.”
His resignation, which he presented to Governor Jim Justice in a one-sentence letter, takes effect immediately. He also faces two federal charges: one for intentionally entering or staying in any building or restricted area without legal authority, and the other for violent entry and disorderly conduct in Capitol areas.
Evans, a Republican who was just elected to the West Virginia House in November, filmed himself entering the Capitol on Wednesday as part of a pro-Trump crowd – incited by President Trump himself – with the intention of preventing the Congress to formalize President-elect Joseph Vitória de R. Biden Jr ..
Like many other members of the mob, he made no effort to hide his involvement. “I was in!” he said in his video. “They were in! Derrick Evans is on the Capitol!”
House of West Virginia President Roger Hanshaw quickly condemned Evans’ actions, saying on Wednesday that Evans “would need to respond to his constituents and colleagues about his involvement in what happened today.”
On Saturday, Hanshaw, who is also a Republican, said in a statement that he hoped the House could move forward with its session “without any further distraction”.
“In announcing his resignation, Chief Evans said he accepted responsibility for his actions and apologized for those who hurt him,” he said. “In this age of overheated and hyperbolic political rage, I think it is a good first step for all of us to take now.”