By WECT Staff | January 6, 2021 at 4:46 PM EST – Updated January 6 at 7:42 PM
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WECT) – Members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation were led to safety when supporters of President Donald Trump stormed Capitol Hill during the debate on certifying electoral votes in the 2020 presidential election. Here are some messages tweeted by those lawmakers in the hours after the events unfolded:
I proudly back the blue and support law and order, which is why I condemned the violence that took place in cities across the nation this summer. It’s a national disgrace to have a mob attacking Capitol Police and engaging in anarchy. This is not what America stands for.
— Senator Thom Tillis (@SenThomTillis) January 6, 2021
In a statement released Wednesday evening, Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) laid the blame for the events at the foot of President Trump:
“For nearly 250 years, our nation’s commitment to the peaceful transition of power has been the shining hallmark of our democracy. Today, 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.
“Let me be clear: these actions are not a defense of this country, but an attack on it.
“I supported President Trump’s legal right to contest the election results through the courts, but the courts have now unanimously and overwhelmingly rejected these suits. No evidence of voter fraud has emerged that would warrant overturning the 2020 election. The President bears responsibility for today’s events by promoting the unfounded conspiracy theories that have led to this point. It is past time to accept the will of American voters and to allow our nation to move forward.
“Congress will uphold its constitutional duty and certify the results of the election.”
Rep. David Rouzer (NC-7) said in a statement: “Thank you to all who have reached out. My staff and I are safe. The lawlessness witnessed at the Capitol today is despicable and should be condemned in the strongest possible way. This is not who we are as a nation. A vigorous debate and differences of opinion should never — ever — be an excuse for lawlessness and violence. Praying for our Capitol Police, other law enforcement personnel and those injured today”.
More social media posts from members of the state’s delegation:
Violence is always unacceptable and must stop NOW.
We solve our problems through debate and peaceful protests, not violence.
Thank God for the brave men and women of Capitol Police.
— Congressman Dan Bishop (@jdanbishop) January 6, 2021
The battle for election integrity must occur on the house floor, not in the streets of D.C.
— Rep. Madison Cawthorn (@RepCawthorn) January 6, 2021
I’m safe, our staff is safe, and we are sheltering in place. The safety of our staff and colleagues is my number one priority. As soon as the situation at the Capitol passes, I stand ready to do my duty, certify the vote, and return to the business of working #ForThePeople.
— Alma S. Adams (@RepAdams) January 6, 2021
Violence will not change the outcome and is completely counter to this process. Capitol Police are honest, decent men and women whose only goal is to serve and protect the public.
— Richard Hudson (@RepRichHudson) January 6, 2021
Butterfield statement concerning U.S. Capitol:
“I am safe and monitoring the violent uprising that is ongoing at the U.S. Capitol complex. Please pray for our country.”
— G. K. Butterfield (@GKButterfield) January 6, 2021
I’ve been evacuated from the House floor. We are safe thanks to the brave men & women of the Capitol Hill Police. I remain resolved to uphold my oath to the Constitution & debate our disagreements. Violence is not acceptable & protesters should disperse peacefully immediately.
— Congressman Ted Budd (@RepTedBudd) January 6, 2021
The violence that we are witnessing at the United States Capitol is completely unacceptable. I am thankful to the brave men and women of the @CapitolPolice who are doing their duty and working diligently to keep everyone in the Capitol safe. God bless our law enforcement.
— Patrick McHenry (@PatrickMcHenry) January 6, 2021
I am safe. Members of my staff are safe.
The protestors within the Capitol must immediately back down. Senseless violence accomplishes absolutely nothing.
Law and order must be upheld.
— Virginia Foxx (@virginiafoxx) January 6, 2021
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper also tweeted his reaction to the events in Washington, DC.
The peaceful transition of power is the hallmark of our democracy. Today’s terrorism is not who we are. This attack on our country must be overcome. America is better than this. – RC
— Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) January 6, 2021
WECT will continue to update this story as we get additional reaction from lawmakers.
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