Washington, D.C. – Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the statement below following a breach of the United States Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump:
“A day meant to affirm American democracy has become one of the darkest in our history. Reckless incitement by President Trump has ended in a violent, unprecedented breach of the United States Capitol by his supporters. It was an assault on our democracy and our commitments to pluralism, the rule of law, and the peaceful transition of power.
“Every Member of Congress has sworn an oath to uphold the Constitution. This moment, more than any in our time, we are called as lawmakers to fulfill that oath. The least we can do is to denounce today’s lawlessness and reconvene tonight to certify the vote of the Electoral College and ensure the peaceful transition of power.
“This afternoon, my daughters called me distressed by today’s events. I assured them that, as a country, we will make it to the other side of this crisis. Then comes the task of ensuring that our republic is strengthened, not weakened.
“We should accept nothing less than an exercise in self-government animated by decency, integrity, truth, and a sense of shared responsibility to the next generation.
“I’m eager to return to the Senate, so we can send a different signal to the world, and I hope that will happen tonight.”