Korean-American Lawmaker Draws Attention for Squatting Alone to Pick Up Trash After US Capitol Violence

Published 10 Jan.2021 16:31(KST)

Andy Kim, a Korean-American U.S. Representative, is cleaning up trash left by protesters on the 7th (local time). Photo by Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Hana Na] Korean-American U.S. Congressman Andy Kim (39) has become a topic of discussion after being spotted staying in the Capitol to clean up trash following the violent incident at the U.S. Congress.

On the 7th (local time), after radical protesters supporting President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol, water bottles, American flags, discarded clothes, and trash were scattered across the Capitol floor.

Seeing this, Congressman Kim, a member of the Democratic Party, reportedly told the police officers who were holding trash bags and cleaning up, "Give me a bag too." His image kneeling and picking up trash was accidentally captured by the Associated Press and fellow lawmakers.

In a video interview with MSNBC, he said, "Passing through the cluttered Rotunda of the Capitol, my heart was torn seeing it full of trash," adding, "I felt a deep sorrow that democracy was being trampled, and at the same time, I impulsively thought I had to do something to restore order." He then said he was simply doing what needed to be done.

When asked by an MSNBC anchor if he would support the impeachment of President Trump, he firmly answered, "Yes." Congressman Kim continued, "President Trump is the one who incited this violence, and he is a dangerous figure. As a lawmaker, I will do what I can and am ready to cast my vote (in favor)."

His good deed has also spread on social media. On Facebook and Twitter, posts with photos titled "The moving scene of a lawmaker cleaning up trash" have been shared, accompanied by a stream of praise in the comments.