Less than a week into 2021, we've had one of the most chaotic and shocking events of the year as pro-Trump protesters stormed the Capitol building in Washington, DC.
CNN reporter Donie O'Sullivan was there at the scene last night and ended up being a topic trending topic on Twitter in Ireland.
The Irish journalist earned immense praise for his report of the events. He delivered a calm and informative report, at one point he noting that he had heard one of the protesters say "next time we’re coming back with rifles."
The reporter highlighted the damaging effects of conspiracy theories and hate speech in his TV segment.
"We're seeing the results of that play out on the streets in our nation's Capitol today," he said. "We're beyond the fact that in 2016, we heard about Russian trolls, and people tried to write off anything about social media saying it's only a few Facebook posts, what harm? Well, here's the harm.
"The harm of conspiracy theories, the harm of lies, the harm of people living in these online and Trump media echo chambers where they're so deluded they can't get to grips with reality and that Joe Biden will soon be President."
Those singing his praises online included 'Wolfwalkers' writer Will Collins and comedian Dara Ó Briain.
Ah, well done @donie. Be careful out there.
— Dara Ó Briain (@daraobriain) January 6, 2021
.@Donie says it how it is. This is on Facebook. This is a conspiracy theory made flesh. This is the world that social media has made pic.twitter.com/kYWxyJSAfL
— Carole Cadwalladr (@carolecadwalla) January 6, 2021
It's Donie's Kingdom now!#donie #kerry #cnn pic.twitter.com/16hsJmJk1b
— Kevin O'Brien (@kevob777) January 7, 2021
I'm happy to see my guy shine ❤️
— Richard Chambers (@newschambers) January 6, 2021
Everybody watching CNN in Ireland when @donie pops up live. pic.twitter.com/sKxRLP7gkR
— Conor Wilson (@ConorWilson) January 6, 2021
Right @donie I think you need a strong Whiskey after today, let us sort that out for you. 🥃#Donie #CapitolHill
— Dingle Distillery (@DingleWhiskey) January 7, 2021
Well, everyone seems to know my big brother now. 😂 So proud of you Donie. 🇮🇪 Up Kerry! pic.twitter.com/VQArYk7tdY
— Sinéad O’Sullivan (@SineadOS4) January 6, 2021
Donie for his part said that he was "overwhelmed by all the support from Ireland tonight."