Photo credit: Associated Press, Jose Luis Magana
The world watched in horror as pro-Trump supporters stormed the United State’s Capitol Wednesday afternoon.
The last breach of the building was over 200 years ago, during the War of 1812’s Battle of Bladensburg on Aug. 24, 1814, when the British burned the Capitol as well as the White House.
Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka of Gull Lake denounced the group who infiltrated the hallowed halls of America’s democracy.
“A peaceful transition of power is paramount to democracy. Everyone has the right to peacefully protest, but threats and acts of violence, destruction of property, and putting the lives of other people at risk are not part of that process,” said Gazelka.
Minnesota’s U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar said, “Despite the violent and lawless actions… we will not be deterred from finishing the job we started.”
Congress met Wednesday to ratify the results of the 2020 Presidential Election, with some Republican lawmakers debating the results of the election, even after the attempted insurrection.
At least one person was killed in the U.S. Capitol building during the attempt to disrupt what is usually a routine procedure, and several more were injured.
“We must recognize that democracy cannot be taken for granted. We ask our soldiers to endanger their lives to defend our democracy abroad—we all have a duty to protect it here at home. That means toning down our rhetoric, bridging divides, and upholding our Democratic ideals,” said Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
“History is being written today. What will our future students read about this moment in their textbooks? It’s on us to ensure today is the end of a chapter. And marks the beginning of when America stood up and stood together.”
