A mob of over one thousand broke into the United States Capitol yesterday while both houses of Congress deliberated over objections to the November Presidential election results. Congress was in session to certify the votes from the Electoral College.
The criminals rampaged through the capital, leaving a trail of destruction including broken glass and damaged furniture. They forced their way through an entrance with a dismantled portion of a police barricade. Politico and several other media outlets are reporting four individuals died. One woman died from a gunshot wound received while trying to climb through a window barricaded by police to protect capital staffers and elected congress members.
Below is a collection of Republicans reacting to those events.
Governor Kim Reynolds shared this statement from Des Moines.
Standing with and praying for the brave men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police and all who have been endangered by the violence and unrest happening at our nation’s capital. This behavior is unacceptable and not who we are as Americans.
— Kim Reynolds (@KimReynoldsIA) January 6, 2021
Both of Iowa’s US Senators had strong words for the violence.
Today’s violent attack on the U.S. Capitol was an attack on American democracy itself. I condemn today’s violence in the strongest terms & perpetrators deserve to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
I also thank Capitol Police for protecting our Capitol & staff
— ChuckGrassley (@ChuckGrassley) January 6, 2021
.@ChuckGrassley: “I condemn today’s violence in the strongest terms and perpetrators deserve to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law…This is a sad day for America. As a nation, we must be better than this.”https://t.co/geQlWT0xfn
— Sen. Grassley Press (@GrassleyPress) January 6, 2021
Former President George W. Bush issued a statement via his Library
Statement by President George W. Bush on Insurrection at the Capitol pic.twitter.com/rF77j0fIBK
— George W. Bush Presidential Center (@TheBushCenter) January 6, 2021
Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Jeff Kaufmann condemned the violence via Twitter.
We are the Party of law and order. This is NOT a peaceful protest. What is happening in Washington, D.C. is utterly unacceptable. I condemn any and all violence toward on our government officials and law enforcement and encourage others to do the same.
— Jeff Kaufmann (@kaufmannGOP) January 6, 2021
The Republican National Committee and its Chairwoman released statements. This week is the RNC’s winter meeting in Florida.
PRESS RELEASE: RNC Members Condemn Violence at U.S. Capitol⬇️ pic.twitter.com/IOynanvGVs
— GOP (@GOP) January 7, 2021
Anyone who thinks they are helping the country by participating in this is wrong, and you should listen to the brave men and women in law enforcement and leave the Capitol.
— Ronna McDaniel (@GOPChairwoman) January 6, 2021
Iowa’s House Delegation weighed in throughout the day.
Hinson Votes to Uphold Constitution, Condemns Violence at U.S. Capitol
Full Statement⬇️ pic.twitter.com/9CwJuSpXTi
— Ashley Hinson (@RepAshleyHinson) January 7, 2021
Earlier in the day, Hinson asked the President to call for an end to the unrest.
President Trump needs to address the nation and call for an end to this violence and disruption to our democratic process. This is not how we do business in the United States of America. pic.twitter.com/mA67iBto3W
— Ashley Hinson (@RepAshleyHinson) January 6, 2021
You can protest and be peaceful.
Storming government buildings and attacking law enforcement officers is unacceptable.
My staff and me are safe and sheltering in place. https://t.co/bQRihjWaz0
— Mariannette Miller-Meeks (@RepMMM) January 6, 2021
It’s every American’s right to protest peacefully. Violence is never the answer. Thank you Capitol Police for working today & every day to keep us safe
If you or someone you know are a part of the protest, please remain peaceful & ask others to do the same. The world is watching
— Rep. Randy Feenstra (@RepFeenstra) January 6, 2021
Later in the afternoon, Rep. Miller-Meeks, Feenstra, and Hinson made a point to go out and personally thank members of the Capitol Police force.
I’m joining my colleagues from Iowa right now in thanking Capitol Police on behalf of all Iowans for keeping us safe and our Democracy going. @RepMMM @RepFeenstra pic.twitter.com/mKXDeQ3dKO
— Ashley Hinson (@RepAshleyHinson) January 7, 2021
The only Democrat in the delegation, Rep Axne:
My staff and I are safe.
We are sheltering in place, awaiting more info as we learn that protesters have breached the Capitol.
The US Capitol Police are protecting us.
These people are attacking Congress at the invitation of @realDonaldTrump.
Please sir, tell them to stop.
— Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) January 6, 2021
Thank you to the tireless professional staff who have worked through a pandemic and now a riotous insurrection to help keep Congress running.
Without you, we could not be doing our duty now in the same chambers that were invaded mere hours ago. https://t.co/JcIMbZdQRc
— Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) January 7, 2021
The FBI is seeking any and all tips on the incident.
The FBI is seeking to identify individuals instigating violence in Washington, D.C. We are accepting tips and digital media depicting rioting or violence in and around the U.S. Capitol on January 6. If you have information, visit https://t.co/buMd8vYXzH.
— FBI (@FBI) January 7, 2021
