Neil Young is calling for empathy toward the people who stormed the U.S. Capitol, saying they've been "so manipulated and had their beliefs used as political weapons." The folk singer, who was raised in Omemee, Ont., recently shared a letter on his website addressing his sadness over the insurrection led by U.S. President Donald Trump supporters last Wednesday. Young wrote that he "mostly felt bad for the people" at the Capitol who seemed determined to overturn the outgoing president's election defeat. He blamed Trump, as well as the social media platforms the president used, which the singer says are culpable in making political issues "psychological weapons and used to gather hatred." Young's more sympathetic perspective comes after long denouncing Trump supporters.

Source: CBC News January 12, 2021 21:33 UTC