'Hang Mike Pence' phrase blocked on Twitter as angry Trump supporters turn against VP

Twitter has blocked phrase ‘hang Mike Pence’ after it began trending on microblogging platform on January 9 following bombshell decision by social media site to suspend outgoing US President Donald Trump’s account. phrase was heard for first time on January 7 when pro-Trump protesters stormed US Capitol, mounted a putsch, roamed inside halls of federal building, confronted law enforcement, broke windows, slammed doors. While mob chanted several phrases, reportedly, as per videos that emerged from scene that reportedly wanted to execute US vice president Mike Pence. 

At time pro-Trump protesters took over building, Pence was present inside building conforming victory of President-elect Joe Biden in presidential elections against former reality television star Donald Trump. supporters of out-voted Trump believed baseless claims fueled by defeated candidate, turned against Pence. Even in aftermath of incident that killed at least five people, when outgoing VP certified Biden’s win, rioters took to Twitter and demanded Mike Pence be ‘hanged’. However, Twitter blocked phrase and videos showing chanting of rioters at one of most secure buildings in United States were also restricted as ‘sensitive’.

As per Guardian report, Twitter spokesperson on January 9 said that “we blocked phrase and or variations of it from trending...We want trends to promote healthy discussions on Twitter. This means that at times, we may prevent certain content from trending. As per our Help Center, re are rules for trends – if we identify accounts that violate se rules, we’ll take enforcement action.”

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Donald Trump's Twitter account suspended

Throughout four years of Trump administration, US President's posts on Twitter were eir flagged, removed, restricted or even banned on platform. Trump was irked by microblogging platform being 'discriminatory' or 'silencing truth'. Twitter after US Capitol siege said, "After reviewing of tweets from Donald Trump account and context around m — how y are being received and interpreted on and off Twitter — we have permanently suspended account due to risk of furr incitement of violence”. 

It added, "In context of horrific events this week, we made it clear on Wednesday that additional violations of Twitter Rules would potentially result in this very course of action. Our public interest framework exists to enable public to hear from elected officials and world leaders directly. It is built on a principle that people have a right to hold power to account in open”. 

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