The West Virginia Republican arrested three days ago in the U.S. Capitol building riot resigned Saturday from the state House of Delegates, barely four weeks after his swearing-in.
“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,” said Derrick Evans in a statement announcing his rapid departure.
“I hope this action I take today can remove any cloud of distraction from the state Legislature, so my colleagues can get to work in earnest building a brighter future for our state,” he continued. “And more importantly, I hope it helps to begin the healing process, so we can all move forward and come together as ‘One Nation, Under God.’”
Evans was arraigned Friday on charges of entering a restricted area and violent or disorderly conduct following his arrest for joining the rioters inside the Capitol building after a pro-Trump rally went off the rails. He was caught on a live-streamed video entering the building where a rioter and a Capitol Police officer were killed.
Evans was released on his own recognizance following his federal court appearance.
The 35-year-old politician was heard screaming after he joined the mob inside: “Derrick Evans is in the Capitol!” He was only sworn into office on Dec. 14, 2020, and the legislative body never met after he became a member.
“The past few days have certainly been a difficult time for my family, colleagues and myself, so I feel it’s best at this point to resign my seat in the House and focus on my personal situation and those I love,” said Evans.
