WASHINGTON, D.C. — Several Louisiana lawmakers are posting their reaction after the U.S. Capitol was put into lockdown after Congress went into recess during the Electoral College debate as protesters.
In a post that has since been deleted by Twitter, President Donald Trump said:
These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long. Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!
President Donald Trump issued a video statement asking protesters to "go home in peace," which was later taken down by Twitter.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021
I know your pain. I know you’re hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us. It was a landslide election, and everyone knows it, especially the other side. But you have to go home now. We have to have peace.
We have to have law and order. We have to have to respect our great people in law and order. We don’t want anybody hurt. It’s a very tough period of time. There’s never been a period of time like this where such a thing happened where they could take it a way from all of us: from me, from you, from our country.
This was a fraudulent election, but we can’t play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. You’re very special. You’ve seen what happens. You see the way others are treated that are so bad and so evil. I know how you feel, but go home and go home in peace.
President-elect Joe Biden called on Pres. Donald J. Trump to go on national television and "demand an end to this siege," warning "our democracy is under unprecedented assault."
President Donald Trump urged protesters to remain peaceful and to support law enforcement.
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!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021
The president also urged peace in an earlier tweet.
Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021
The president's press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, said that he has issued the National Guard to the capitol.
At President @realDonaldTrump’s direction, the National Guard is on the way along with other federal protective services.
— Kayleigh McEnany (@PressSec) January 6, 2021
We reiterate President Trump’s call against violence and to remain peaceful.
Rep. Steve Scalise, R-LA, said capitol police saved his life and urged protesters to remain peaceful.
United States Capitol Police saved my life.
— Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) January 6, 2021
Attacks on law enforcement officers trying to do their jobs are never acceptable. Period.
We can passionately protest without being violent.
Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-LA, issued a video statement as he was being escorted from the capitol.
There are people who have violently entered the U.S. Capitol and are attempting to disrupt today’s proceedings. This is supposed to be a peaceful transition of power. What they’re doing is absolutely wrong. It is un-American. This is about our country; it’s not about hooligans. pic.twitter.com/Sdk1opWRrh
— U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (@SenBillCassidy) January 6, 2021
"There are people who have violently entered the United States Capitol and are attempting to disrupt what is going on, which is supposed to be the peaceful transition of power," said Cassidy. "This is wrong. It is absolutely wrong. It is un-American. Period.
"They should stop. Period," he said. "This is about our country. It is not about hooligans."
Sen. John Kennedy, R-LA, also condemned the violence and praised the Capitol Police.
Rep. Clay Higgins, R-LA, also issued a statement on Twitter condemning violence. A spokesperson told KATC that Higgins' offices are on lockdown right now, but that everyone is safe and accounted for and the situation is "fluid."
This very day, we were standing for American freedom, legally, peacefully, passionately, within the House of We the People, and within the parameters of our Constitution.
— Rep. Clay Higgins (@RepClayHiggins) January 6, 2021
I say to all violent aggressors... stand down.
U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson also condemned the violence.
I unambiguously condemn in the strongest possible terms any and all forms of violent protest. Any individual who committed violence today should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. (1/2)
— Rep. Mike Johnson (@RepMikeJohnson) January 6, 2021
Locally, Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory released a statement Wednesday evening, calling the situation "disappointing and disturbing."
The LAGOP also released a statement on Thursday condemning the violence:
The LAGOP stands with Congressional Republicans who called for a full investigation into allegations of electoral fraud.
The party condemns violent protests by any and all groups on either side of the political spectrum. Violence should not be tolerated- it is not part of our democratic process!
The Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Clair Katie Bernhardt also issued a statement denouncing the violence:
We are witnessing a seditious riot at the U.S. Capitol building intent on disrupting the peaceful transition of power that has characterized our democracy since its founding. This embarrassing display betrays the principles that brave Americans have sacrificed their lives to defend. Sadly, Louisiana Senator John Kennedy and Representatives Steve Scalise, Mike Johnson, and Clay Higgins enabled this un-American act. Louisiana Democrats are calling on our federal delegation to denounce this violence and attempted coup. We will survive this infamous chapter in our history because – as we demonstrated in November, and again last night in Georgia – Americans live by hope, not fear.
You can watch a live feed outside the U.S. Capitol below:
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