Livingston Mayor, Council Decry ‘Domestic Terrorism’ At Capitol

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Livingston’s mayor and town council have joined a growing number of elected officials who are denouncing the violent chaos that took place at the U.S. Capitol last week.

Mayor Shawn Klein, Deputy Mayor Edward Meinhardt and Livingston Town Council members Rudy Fernandez, Alfred Anthony and Michael Vieira issued a joint statement about the riots, which they called an "act of domestic terrorism."

Their full statement follows below.

“The scenes we all witnessed at our nation’s Capitol on January 6, 2021, were more than disturbing or disheartening. In the midst of a global pandemic, and on the heels of a year filled with racially motivated violence, loss, and incredible hardship, rioters started the New Year by staging an act of domestic terrorism.

“Demonstrating a blatant disregard for the very freedoms they claimed to be supporting, rioters stormed the Capitol in an effort to overturn the results of a free and fairly conducted election. Instead of what should have been a peaceful transfer of power, the American people saw irresponsibility, contempt and violence.

“We strongly condemn the criminal actions of all who participated in this violent insurrection. There is no excuse for the behaviors we witnessed, forced to stand by and watch as a vicious mob attacked one of the symbols of our very Democracy, those defending it, and those upholding its tenets. We believe and hope that the individuals responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

“We are thankful that those in the Capitol building remained safe and rose to the challenges of the day. We admire and appreciate their dedication to completing their constitutionally mandated task of confirming Joe Biden as our nation’s new President and Kamala Harris as our Vice President.

“We mourn the deaths of those lost so unnecessarily in this violent attack. United States Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, a heroic New Jersey native, was on the front lines and was killed protecting others during this domestic terrorist attack. His legacy of courage and leadership will be remembered.

“The rioters chose to show us all the worst of humankind, but this is a small group that doesn’t represent all of us. In fact, they are the antithesis of all we should stand for as Americans. The events of January 6th and those who participated are indefensible, and we can see them for what they are: rooted in hatred and violence.

“As a nation, we have a rich and storied history that shows us we have the wherewithal to heal, to create opportunity and build bridges, and to continue to work together for the benefit of all – and our work is by no means complete. We must all continue to move forward, confronting the darker parts of our past and present, and work to heal our divided nation.”

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Livingston Facebook page. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.