As members of Congress met Wednesday (January 6) to certify Electoral College votes from President-Elect Joe Biden's 2020 election win, an angry mob of President Donald Trump's supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol, forcing lawmakers to halt proceedings and flee. At least one person was killed inside the building and at least 13 people were arrested.
Several North Carolina lawmakers were inside the Capitol during the unrest, having to shelter in place for hours. Sen. Thom Tillis said the attack "is not what America stands for," calling it "anarchy" and a "national disgrace" while reiterating his support of law enforcement like the Capitol Police.
Sen. Richard Burr also released a statement saying that while he supported Trump's right to contest election results, the courts have "overwhelmingly" rejected his lawsuits. He also said the president was responsible for the events by "promoting the unfounded conspiracy theories that have led to this point."
"America's core principles were threatened by those seeking to forcibly stop our electoral process and overturn the results of a presidential election with which they disagreed," said Burr. "Let me be clear: these actions are not a defense of this country, but an attack on it."
Congresswomen Kathy Manning and Virginia Foxx both issued statements during the attack confirming that they and their staffs were safe and sheltering in place. Foxx, along with Congressmen Patrick McHenry, Ted Budd, and David E. Price all thanked Capitol Police and law enforcement for their work keeping lawmakers safe.
Congresswoman Alma Adams called Wednesday "the hardest day of my time in Congress," but said the events wouldn't "silence the voice of the American people" as she continued her work to certify results, as did Rep. Deborah Ross. Rep. G. K. Butterfield asked people to pray for the country while Rep. Mark Walker wants the attackers prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Congressman David Rouzer called the attack "despicable."
"This is not who we are as a nation," he said. "A vigorous debate and differences of opinion should never — ever — be an excuse for lawlessness and violence."
Congressman Madison Cawthorn condemned the violence and asked only for peaceful protests, while Rep. Richard Hudson said the violence wouldn't "change the outcome and is completely counter to this process."
Gov. Roy Cooper also issued a statement on Wednesday following the events at the Capitol.
"The peaceful transition of power is the hallmark of our democracy," saidCooper. "Today's terrorism is not who we are. This attack on our country must be overcome. American is better than this."
Photo: Getty Images