What happened in the District of Columbia today was completely unacceptable. This was not a First Amendment demonstration – it was an unlawful riot fueled by the lies and hate of a man unable to accept defeat and willing to shred the very fabric of our democracy in an attempt to hold on to power. Not only did today’s act threaten our democracy, but they also put at risk the safety of D.C. residents who work and live in and around the Capitol area, as well as our businesses and sacred institutions.

President Trump is clearly not fit to do the job for the next 13 days and I encourage our national leaders to use all available options to ensure we have a peaceful transfer of power on January 20.

I have been a part of and seen my fair share of protests in the District – both on Capitol Hill and on D.C. streets – and honestly watching today I can only imagine how the outcome would have been different if the perpetrators looked like me. I know many D.C. residents feel the same way. I will be following up with the D.C. Attorney General and the US Attorney’s Office to ensure that the individuals responsible for the rioting, violence, and destruction of property that took place this week are held accountable for their actions. Anything less would embolden future perpetrators.

I thank the law enforcement officers supporting the Metropolitan Police Department, from Virginia, Maryland, and other states who are assisting with the public safety operation to regain control of the Capitol complex and help protect District residents. Once again, we have witnessed a situation that highlights the need for D.C. to be granted full self-determination, so we can activate our National Guard without federal permission and be prepared when we need to protect our residents and their safety.

As a former staff member on Capitol Hill, I stand with my colleagues present there now. I thank them for their bravery, commitment, and continued service.

As President-elect Biden said today: Our nation, once a beacon of light, has come to such a dark time. We will prevail, and we will do it now. America is about honor, decency, respect, tolerance.

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