West Virginia GOP state lawmaker who allegedly stormed US Capitol resigns
“I hereby resign as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates, effective immediately,” he wrote in a brief letter addressed to West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice.
“I take full responsibility for my actions, and deeply regret any hurt, pain or embarrassment I may have caused my family, friends, constituents and fellow West Virginians,” Evans said in a statement Saturday.
Evans, a supporter of Trump, recorded a Facebook Live video in which he can be heard shouting, “We’re in! We’re in, baby!” while moving among a crowd of rioters as he walked through a doorway of the Capitol.
He has denied taking part in the destruction and violence and has since deleted the clip, but not before it was shared on social media and aired by CNN affiliate WCHS. In another video posted to his Facebook page Wednesday morning, Evans laughs as he predicts a riot.
Evans said later Wednesday that he had filmed the event only as an “independent member of the media to film history,” though it does not appear he has any experience working as one.
The chair of the West Virginia GOP on Saturday said Evans “made the right decision” to resign.
“The actions of Derrick Evan were unwise and unbecoming of an elected official,” Chairwoman Melody Potter said in a statement.
Speaking during a Friday briefing, Justice said of Evans’ involvement, “You know me, I don’t sugarcoat things and I don’t try to give you a political answer. I think it’s terrible.”
“I think it’s a scar on West Virginia,” the Republican governor said. “He can come up with any excuse in the world, but being there and rushing and entering the Capitol of the United States of America. I mean, how in the world can we possibly, possibly think that’s anything but bad stuff?”
This story has been updated with additional information.