Go on the Don.
An Irish CNN reporter was trending last night following his coverage of the pro-Trump violence at Capitol Hill.
Thousands of far-right Trump supporters descended on Washington DC yesterday in a so-called protest against Joe Biden’s general election win. Storming Capitol Hill, the President’s fans attacked Congress while the certification of Biden’s victory was underway.
At least four people have died, 52 were arrested, and a state of emergency has been declared in Washington DC until January 21.
Amidst all of this chaos was the clear and measured voice of a man who makes us Irish proud to be so. No, not Joe Biden. Donie O’Sullivan, obviously.
The Kerry native has been reporting with CNN for almost five years and was part of a team of journalists who uncovered several Russian government-linked social media campaigns targeting US voters during the 2016 election campaign.
Before that he worked as a journalist for Storyful in Dublin and New York, but that’s not what we’re here to talk about – we’re here to talk about the blinder he played last night during the Battle for the Capitol.
Trump supporters shouting at police as they try to clear the US Capitol pic.twitter.com/HdwEh9afdu
— Donie O'Sullivan (@donie) January 6, 2021
While other reporters were flailing about the crowds, gasping down camera lenses, and generally having a stressful time of it, Donie delivered his pieces to camera with ease, reporting the horrific facts of the siege with measure and tact.
He’s also Irish so, you know, we’re all bound to like him.
CNN just introduced a reporter called Donie O’Sullivan and fair dues, he sounds exactly like you’d hope.
— Dara Ó Briain (@daraobriain) January 6, 2021
All the other CNN correspondents can’t believe this stuff and are freaking out but Donie O’Sullivan is strolling around like he’s seen far worse coming out of a Carlow nightclub #donie
— Declan Lawn (@DecLawn) January 6, 2021
CNN's Donie O'Sullivan strolling thru the rioters with the confidence of a man rared on batter burgers and black pudding knowing full well he could knock out at least 3 of them before he's overpowered
— Jamie (@FCTwenteBenson) January 6, 2021
CNN: “We’re now going to go to Donie O’Sullivan whose on the ground for us”
Irish Twitter: #WashingtonDC pic.twitter.com/Vc8ipa2SaK
— Sinead Farrelly (@sinead_farrelly) January 6, 2021
Somewhere in Ireland tonight an entire village is watching CNN and cheering on the reporting legend that is Donie O'Sullivan. pic.twitter.com/L2TirH5ZBB
— Will Collins (@WillumsFillum) January 6, 2021
Ha ha Donie O’Sullivan calling them crazy while standing right next to them. Classic Irish, doesn’t give a fcuk. Good man Donie.
— Baile An Fheirtéaraigh 37 ??☘️☘️?? (@DumbAsBush) January 6, 2021
Once all was said and done, Donie took to Twitter to thank the Irish for their praise, their wonderful words, and of course, their TikToks.
Overwhelmed by all the love from Ireland tonight. ☘️ ❤️ https://t.co/rKCksNFxkk
— Donie O'Sullivan (@donie) January 7, 2021
Fair play, Donie. A man after our own hearts, through and through.
It was three hours before police managed to declare the Capitol secure. Before that, Trump had addressed his fans at a rally in Washington DC telling them he would never concede to Biden. He also told the violent mob “we love you,” before asked them to protest peacefully.
Trump has since been temporarily banned from Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat too.