93.3 KWTO Keeping Watch Over the Ozarks
Local representatives, officials and former officials are responding to Wednesday’s riot at the Capitol in Washington, D.C.
U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (R): “The events unfolding at the Capitol are shameful. There is no justification for violence and destruction. It has to stop now. This is not who we are as a nation. Thank you to the Capitol Police who are keeping us safe.”
U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R): “Thank you to the brave law enforcement officials who have put their lives on the line. The violence must end, those who attacked police and broke the law must be prosecuted, and Congress must get back to work and finish its job.”
U.S. Representative Billy Long (R): “What happened at the Capitol Building is disgraceful and completely unacceptable and I condemn the actions of those involved. I commend the brave men and women of the United States Capitol Police, the Washington Metropolitan Police and the officers of the various federal agencies that assisted in restoring order in the Capitol and keeping Members of Congress and their staff safe.”
“I was at the Capitol only briefly this morning, long before any of this started, and did not witness anything unfold in person. My staff and I are safe, and I am urging people to leave the Capitol complex calmly and peacefully and to comply with the Mayor’s 6:00 pm curfew.”
U.S. Representative Vicky Hartzler (R): “The violent rioting on Capitol Hill is appalling and must stop! These so-called protesters have exhibited behavior one would expect to witness during a third world coup. This disgusting behavior is not representative of what we stand for as a country. This is thuggery and violators must be punished to the fullest extent allowed under federal law. We cannot heal our divides as a nation if this lawlessness persists.”
Missouri House Rep. Betsy Fogle (D-135): “On this somber day in our nation’s history, the oath we took today takes on even more meaning. Though our hearts are heavy, my purpose in Jefferson City has never been more clear. Americans, and Missourians, deserve better.”
Former Missouri House Speaker Elijah Haahr (R): “Our Founding Fathers would weep to see this day. We are a nation of laws and this lawlessness cannot be tolerated.”
Greene County Presiding Commissioner Bob Dixon: “Just got home from the office and am watching this lawlessness unfold in our nation’s Capitol. It is completely unconscionable. Anyone encouraging or supportive of this behavior should be nowhere near public office. Period.”
Missouri House Minority Leader Crystal Quade (D-132): “The armed insurrection currently taking place in our nation’s capital is an affront to democracy and everything America represents. Although today’s events are shocking, they unfortunately aren’t surprising and are the inevitable outcome of months of Republican leaders – including many in Missouri — pushing the lie of a Trump victory and attempting to overturn a legitimate election. House Democrats strongly denounce this violent coup attempt and are deeply disappointed Governor Parson and other Missouri Republican elected officials won’t do the same.”
House Rep. Hannah Kelly (R-141): “The violence and destruction that occurred today in our nation’s capital is unacceptable. Peaceful protests are an important part of free speech, but violence can never be tolerated.”
Greene County Democrats Leadership: “The Greene County Democratic Party firmly denounces the actions of the mob that have swarmed the United States Capitol building at the behest of outgoing President Donald Trump. After months of misinformation and encouragement from the leader of our nation, we have seen hundreds of our fellow countrymen and women engage in an act of threatening violence exacted on the very institutions of our democracy. Rather than allowing the peaceful confirmation of our country’s democratically selected President-Elect supporters of President Trump have sought to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power, an unprecedented action in our nation’s history. Our organization calls upon Senators Roy Blunt, Josh Hawley and Representative Billy Long to denounce these acts of terror and for the President to acept his loss and submit to the process. Our thoughts are with the Capitol Police as the last line of defense for members of Congress as they hide from this intrasigent mob.”