Governor Phil Scott Wednesday, January 6, 2021, issued the following statement:
“This is a very disturbing time for our nation. What we are seeing today at the U.S. Capitol is not a peaceful protest – it is an unacceptable attack on our democracy.
“The rioters have actively assaulted police officers, and they should immediately evacuate the Capitol building or be removed.
“Make no mistake, the President of the United States is responsible for this event.
“President Trump has orchestrated a campaign to cause an insurrection that overturns the results of a free, fair and legal election.
“The fact is the results of this election have been validated by Republican governors, conservative judges and non-partisan election officials across the country. There is no doubt that the President’s delusion, fabrication, self-interest, and ego have led us – step by step – to this very low, and very dangerous, moment in American history.
“The fabric of our democracy and the principles of our republic are under attack by the President.
“Enough is enough.
“President Trump should resign or be removed from office by his Cabinet, or by the Congress.”
Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy On The Riot At The US Capitol
The criminals who injured people, defiled the Nation’s Capitol, and destroyed thousands of dollars’ worth of property should be prosecuted for their felonies. And Senators tonight should and are reconvening without delay to resume the electoral count.
President Trump doesn’t want to accept defeat, so he instead promotes delusional conspiracy theories and encourages felonies. But the Senate has a job to do. We must protect the Constitution and prepare for the new President. It’s the American way, and the American people deserve nothing less.
Sanders Supports Trump's Impeachment After Insurrection
Senator Bernie Sanders supports the impeachment process in the House. In a tweet Friday Sanders said; "Some people ask: Why would you impeach a president who has only a few days left in office? The answer: Precedent. It must be made clear that no president, now or in the future, can lead an insurrection against the US government."
Congressman Peter Welch supports removal or impeachment
The violent mob that attacked the capitol yesterday had a leader: The president of the United States. @realDonaldTrump cannot be allowed to remain in office for another day. He won't resign, so the 25th Amendment must be invoked as soon as possible.
If his cabinet won't step up, then Congress must reconvene and impeach him. Make no mistake: The president incited a mob to attack the Capitol yesterday, and every day he is allowed to remain in office is a danger to our democracy.
Vermont House Minority Leader Pattie McCoy (R-Poultney) released the following statement:
"As Vermont legislators were being sworn in for the new biennium today, thousands of rioters sieged the U.S. Capitol in a disgraceful event. Let me be clear: this type of behavior has absolutely no place in this country, and goes against our most basic values and institutions. Elected officials who encouraged today's abhorrent events should be ashamed. I am embarrassed for not only our national party, but also our nation.
“Our so-called leaders in Washington have a responsibility to rein-in the recklessness that has been promoted, incited, and encouraged from among the most important offices in the nation. This cannot be allowed to happen again."
Mayor Miro Weinberger released the following statement:
“I opened my Covid-19 briefing at 2:00 pm today expressing optimism for the future of our country following the election of Georgia’s first Black U.S. Senator, the likelihood that the newly elected Congress will once again be supportive of America’s cities, and the expectation that the presidential election would be certified today. Over the course of my hour-long briefing, armed protestors swarmed the Capitol and suspended the certification of the vote. The peaceful transition of power is a cornerstone of our democracy, and it is a civic tragedy that this has been interrupted for the first time in our long history. I condemn this destructive, violent riot and President Trump’s incitement of it in the strongest possible terms. I am heartbroken to see this happening. Our democracy is precious and fragile, and we must all work to heal and strengthen it.”
VTGOP condemns today's actions at the Capitol
Vermont Republican Party Chair Deb Billado released the following statement in response to the events today in Washington, DC:
What has happened at our nation’s Capitol today is wrong, immoral and against the fundamental principles that we hold dear not only as Republicans, but as Americans. The Republican Party has consistently opposed the actions of violent mobs who seeks to destroy property and disturb the peace. We are a party of law and order and believe in the protection of private property. We defended the rights of business owners to be free from the tyranny of unruly mobs when riots broke out in Kenosha, WI or Portland, OR. The mob that has asserted itself on our nation's Capital is of an even great concern and the Capital police ought to seek to bring criminal charges of trespass and disorderly conduct against any of the people who have taken such actions. Their actions do not speak for the Vermont Republican Party and we strongly condemn any such lawlessness, regardless of their political affiliations.
Furthermore, we support the statement of Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell who earlier today condemned the notion of elected congressmen overturning the election results of the states. The VT Republican Party believes in local control and state's rights. Overturning the election results which were certified by the individual states is perhaps the most disturbing example of federal over-reach imagined. As he said, "The voters, the courts and the states have all spoken. They've all spoken. If we overrule them it would damage our republic forever."
Vermont Democratic Party Statement on the Attempted Coup at the US Capitol
On this dark day in our country’s history, the Vermont Democratic Party strongly condemns a blatant attack on our democracy from the supporters of Donald Trump, who today sieged our nation’s Capitol in a forceful attempt to overturn the results of a free and fair presidential election. Today’s events were a display of domestic terrorism, plain and simple.
These attacks, as well as the events of the past four years, demonstrate that Donald Trump’s rhetoric has empowered a culture of hate and chaos that now threatens our very democracy, our safety, and our right to free and fair elections.
While the Vermont Republican Party has denounced the events of today, it does not eliminate the fact that VTGOP has been fervent in their support of Donald Trump and his actions over the past four years. Just recently, the Chittenden County Republican Party and the Essex Republican Town Committee promoted, coordinated, fundraised, and advertised a bus trip to Washington, D.C. for today’s event, and this afternoon, attendees publicly shared a video via social media of the events in real time. Vermont Republicans looked the other way while VTGOP extremists embarked on a road trip that, today, culminated in an attempted coup.
We call on Phil Scott to publicly condemn not just Donald Trump, but the leadership of the Vermont Republican Party, who have allowed this extremism to fester and grow for too long, and the many extremists within the VTGOP.
Our thoughts remain with the Congressional members and staff on Capitol Hill, especially Vermont’s federal delegation, Senator Patrick Leahy, Senator Bernie Sanders and Congressman Peter Welch. We stand with those who are working hard to protect our democracy, and we wish for their continued safety as they continue to fight for the well-being of all Americans during the ongoing pandemic and to certify the 2020 election results.
Vermont Democratic Party Chair Bruce Olsson remarked, “Donald Trump’s continued attacks on our democracy have led to a traitorous attack today on our nation’s Capitol even as Congress works to fulfill its Constitutional responsibility and certify the legitimate election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as our next President and Vice President.
“We should be clear. This was an attempt to steal an election and thwart the will of over 81 million Americans, including more than 242,820 Vermonters who voted for Joe Biden. The Vermont Democratic Party denounces this attack on democracy and calls for the resignation or removal of Donald Trump.
“The work of the next four years must be the restoration of our democracy and the renewal of a politics that’s about solving problems. We envision a day when respect and decency prevail again.”
Vermont House Speaker Jill Krowinski, Republican House Minority Leader Patricia McCoy, Progressive House Minority Leader Selene Colburn condemn violence in Washington DC
Vermont Speaker of the House, Jill Krowinski, Republican House Minority Leader Patricia McCoy, Progressive House Minority Leader Selene Colburn today issued the following statement:
“On a historic day for the Vermont House of Representatives, where Democrats, Republicans, Progressives, and Independents joined together for the first virtual start of a legislative session in the history of Vermont, we are appalled to see the violence taking place in Washington, D.C.
"Throughout the past 10 months, as the nation was overtaken by the COVID-19 virus, Vermonters came together to keep each other safe and healthy. Communities across the state rallied to support each other, and the legislature worked proactively with Governor Scott to ensure aid and assistance was provided wherever it was needed. Protecting Vermonters was the priority and we put our political differences aside.
"The First Amendment is foundational to our lives as Americans, and everyone should have the right to express their views, but the forceful takeover of Capitol Hill flies in the face of our democratic values and is completely unacceptable. We hope that there is a peaceful resolution to this conflict, and in Vermont, we will continue to work together to the tackle issues that our important to all Vermonters.”
Senate President Pro Tempore, Becca Balint Statement on Events in Our Nation's Capital
January 6, 2021
Like so many Vermonters, I watched the events in our nation’s capital with horror and deep sadness at the state of our democracy. The President’s actions in attacking our democratic institutions, seeking to overturn the results of the election, and provoking insurrection are egregious, and I join Governor Scott in calling for his resignation or removal.
In sharp contrast, the start of the 2021 legislative session in Vermont today was marked by adherence to safety protocols, democratic traditions, and collegial, respectful, tri-partisanship. I know we can lead the nation in healing from this dark day.
Lieutenant Governor-elect Molly Gray Statement on Attack on the US Capital
Tonight, I share the sadness and anger of Vermonters as the events in our nation's capital continue to unfold. President Trump has incited an egregious attack on our democracy, and on the very public servants who work so diligently to protect and uphold our liberty.
My thoughts are with our Vermont delegation and their dedicated staff. If ever there were a need for Vermont values in Washington, it is now. Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of a resilient democracy, and the President has executed a relentless agenda to erode public faith in Government and to attack our most valuable principles of truth and equity.
I support the efforts of Congress to certify this election, and any measures deemed necessary to remove President Trump from office. This is a dark night in our nation, and we will only meet the dawn of a brighter future by standing together as Vermonters and Americans.
AG Donovan calls for criminal investigation into Capitol riot
Attorney General T.J. Donovan today requested that Acting U.S. Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen commence a criminal investigation into the activities of President Donald Trump and rioters in relation to the events occurring at the U.S. Capitol yesterday. Attorney General Donovan wrote in the letter to Acting Attorney General Rosen:
“I am shocked, saddened, disgusted, and angry about the assault on our United States Capitol and our democracy yesterday. This was not a protest, but a brazen criminal insurrection. I am requesting that the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) immediately conduct a thorough criminal investigation and prosecute anyone, including President Donald Trump, for inciting and carrying out this riot. See, e.g., 18 U.S.C. §§ 111, 373, 1361. DOJ’s immediate action is required to protect our democracy, defend the rule of law, and hold accountable those who attempted to overturn the will of the American people. As the nation’s chief law enforcement officer, you have a unique role to play to demonstrate that no one is above the law and that our country is governed by the rule of law, not mob rule.
Vermont stands ready to assist you in any way necessary to investigate and prosecute the wrongdoers of this seditious act.”
A full copy of Attorney General Donovan’s letter can be found here.
Vermont House Progressive Caucus
The House Progressive Caucus on Thursday released the following joint statement in response to the events that happened in Washington, DC, on Wednesday:
Yesterday, as we took our oath to support and uphold the Constitution of Vermont and the United States, the President rallied and encouraged violence against the United States Congress. The President’s supporters then took to the streets and violently attacked the Capitol Building resulting in members of Congress and staff being held hostage in the building as well as numerous injuries and four deaths.
Let us be clear: the atrocities that occurred in Washington D.C. were nothing short of domestic terrorism and should be treated as such. The acts that we witnessed are blatant examples of the authoritarianism and white supremacy that is alive and well in our country. Our country has a long history of protest with very different results. When people of color, women, disabled people, immigrants without citizen status, and LGBTQ folks protest - be it peaceful or a non violent expression of outrage - it is met very differently than the acts of terror at the Capitol yesterday. This must be named and acknowledged because there are two very different realities based on who you are in this country.
Vermont Bankers Association statement on January 6, 2021 events in Washington DC
The events that unfolded in Washington DC on Wednesday, January 6 were some of the darkest moments in our nation’s history. While the First Amendment provides for freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, or the right to petition the government for redress of grievances, it does not allow for mob rule, violence, or the overthrow of our democratic process. We must continue the history of a peaceful transfer of power in our country and ask all of our elected officials to focus on healing our great nation.
Led by Rep. Brian Cina, as one of the lead sponsors of House resolution J.H.R. 1, the Vermont House Progress Caucus unanimously voted in support of the resolution calling for the removal of Donald J. Trump from office.
“Our democracy is far from perfect, but it provides us with a chance to engage in the decisions that affect our lives,” said Rep. Cina. “By inciting violent acts of rebellion to sabotage the final certification process of the presidential election, the President committed sedition and demonstrated that he is not fit to hold the most powerful position in our nation.”
The Caucus also condemns the President’s blatant lies that continue to plague our nation and sow hate in our communities. We condemn the violence and domestic terrorism that took place in Washington D.C. yesterday.
We understand that the tenets of white supremacy did not begin with the President nor will they end when he is removed from office. As a caucus, we are committed to healing the harm that has already been done and to work diligently towards a more just and equitable future for all Vermonters.