Legislators appalled at the mob violence in the nation’s capital on Jan. 6, in which hundreds of supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol, have condemned their action as an assault on democracy itself.
“The violence and unrest that we saw in Washington on Wednesday is unacceptable and un-American,” said Speaker of the House Rep. Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, in a statement issued on Friday, Jan. 8 by the Alaska House Majority. “The election is over and it’s time to move forward. Our great country is based on the constitution and ideals put forth by our founding fathers. We must abide by our nation’s democratic principles and never forget the many who gave their lives to protect it.”
Rep. Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak, said she was appalled and ashamed by the mob action.
“Baseless sedition has no place in our society and make no mistake, that’s what this was,” Stutes said. “We’re all Americans and although we might have different ideas regarding the path forward, honoring the results of a fair election process is essential to the freedom our countrymen and women have fought and died for. Our institutions are steadfast, and we will not yield to acts of violence.”
Rep. Ivy Spohnholz, D- Anchorage, said the mob action “should shake every American to the core. We have nothing if we don’t honor free and fair elections and the peaceful transition of power,” she said.
