Politics & Government
Alabama Lawmakers Condemn Violence As U.S. Capitol Breached
Sen. Richard Shelby, Rep. Mo Brooks, Rep. Terri Sewell and others condemned the protests and violence occurring in Washington Wednesday.
WASHINGTON, DC — Hundreds of protesters stormed the U.S. Capitol barricades Wednesday afternoon and some forced their way into both chambers of Congress to oppose the ratification of the presidential election.
U.S. Capitol Police evacuated both the Library of Congress and the Cannon House Office Building as a result. Alabama lawmakers who sheltered in place condemned the protests and violence via social media.
Once intruders had forced their way into both Chambers of Congress, Trump issued this tweet: "I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!"
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Alabama lawmakers issued similar messages:
Today is a very dark day for our country. I am safe thanks to the protection and swift action by our law enforcement officials. Our Founding Fathers warned against mob rule. Law and order must be established and maintained.
— Richard Shelby (@SenShelby) January 6, 2021
I am sheltering in a safe location and praying for the safety of our nation, members of Congress, congressional staff, law enforcement, and Capitol Hill residents.
— Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) January 6, 2021
Congressmen safe (as far as I know). As strong supporter of Rule of Law, I hope EVERYONE who illegally breached Capitol is prosecuted to fullest extent of the law. Quite frankly, I am surprised by the constraint of Capitol Police. Senseless. Achieves nothing productive.
— Mo Brooks (@RepMoBrooks) January 6, 2021
Statement From Congressman Jerry Carl’s Official Accounts: Americans have a right to protest, but violence is never the answer. I’m praying for the safety of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the law enforcement protecting us.
— Jerry Carl (@CarlForAlabama) January 6, 2021
God has brought this nation through many dark days over the past 240 plus years. We have always been able to settle our disputes peaceably. I believe He will continue to guide & protect this nation. However, as a nation we need to see His guidance in peace. He is in full control!
— Robert Aderholt (@Robert_Aderholt) January 6, 2021
Thank you to all who have reached out with concern for my staff and me. We are safe and grateful for our dedicated Capitol Police. Please join me in praying for the healing of our country. This is a sad day for everyone and the scenes we witnessed today were unacceptable.
— Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) January 7, 2021
Lawlessness and anarchy are never the answer. We are - and always will be - a nation of law and order. While I support Americans’ 1st Amendment rights, I strongly condemn any and all violence & fully support our brave Capitol Police and LEOs.
— Rep. Barry Moore (@RepBarryMoore) January 6, 2021
There is no place for political violence in America. Whether it is from the left or the right, it is abhorrent and wrong. We are a nation built on law and order and must remain so.
— Mike Rogers (@RepMikeRogersAL) January 7, 2021
Senator-elect Tommy Tuberville retweeted Shelby's comments regarding the incident, but did not make any comments of his own on the matter.
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Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill issued a statement also condemning the protesters' actions.
"Although protesters have the constitutional right to have their voice heard, they do not have the right to be disruptive during the certification process that was put in place by our Founding Fathers in 1789 and has since survived the history of our Republic," Merrill said. "We are fortunate to live in the greatest country in the world – a nation that allows for a difference of opinion. With this freedom comes the responsibility to follow the systematic process to have your opinion voiced, heard, and understood, without disrespecting others or putting lives at risk."
Merrill added, "Human life is far more important than pandering to any politician or political group. President Trump should call on his supporters, who claim to support ‘law and order’, to stand down, follow the law, and unite behind our democratic process."
This is a developing story — check back for updates.
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