Statement Condemning Acts of Terrorism in Washington, D.C.

"What we are seeing unfold in the U.S. Capitol today is terrifying. The seat of the Legislative Branch is being occupied by domestic terrorists who have been activated, empowered, and emboldened by an authoritarian president who refuses to accept defeat in a free and fair election. Make no mistake, President Trump’s repeated inability to unequivocally condemn acts of far-right violence and his continued effort to spread baseless claims of fraud have incited these acts of domestic terrorism in the heart of Washington, D.C.

"This is also a glaring, disgusting display of a law enforcement system that often lets white people act with impunity while unleashing violence upon people of color. Peaceful protesters in Black Lives Matter Plaza were tear-gassed this summer for demanding racial equity—but white insurrectionists were able to infiltrate the floor of the U.S. Congress with seemingly no pushback.

"All of the ways in which America is broken were laid bare by what we saw today. Let it serve as a reminder to keep fighting for equality, justice, and democracy. Having now retaken the Presidency and the Senate, Democrats will have the power to do just that— but we cannot allow ourselves to become complacent. This is an effort that needs to take place in the halls of government, but also in the streets and in our day-to-day lives.

"Shame on every single Republican elected official who precipitated this attempted coup. May you never be allowed to forget the day you tried to destroy American democracy. We are eternally grateful to the journalists, Capitol Hill staffers, and public servants who put their lives on the line to show the world what happened today.

"Everyone who is in D.C.: please remain vigilant, pay attention to local directives, and above all else, stay safe. We will get through this— together."

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