Local politicians from both sides of the aisle are calling for peace after a throng of pro-Trump extremists stormed the U.S. Capitol building following an inflammatory speech by the president.
The insurrection began shortly after several members of Congress, including North Carolina representatives Virginia Foxx and Ted Budd, opposed the ceremonial tally of votes that made Joe Biden the winner of the presidency.
Weeks of disinformation about voter fraud and irregularities preceded the march to the building. In fact, prior to the election, President Trump urged North Carolinians to vote twice — once by mail and once in person — to test the system, an action that would be clearly illegal.
Many politicians with local ties took to social media to let people know they are safe, including U.S. Rep. Alma Adams, D-12th, who began her political career in Greensboro.
We're safe, but sheltering in place. If you're in Washington, D.C. today please be safe.
— Alma S. Adams (@RepAdams) January 6, 2021
For Foxx, R-5th, and Budd, R-13th, tweets calling for calmness came soon after their declarations that they would challenge the election results, prompting many to ask if they felt in any way responsible for the situation.
On behalf of every North Carolinian and every American who wants integrity in their elections, I signed my objection to the electoral votes in six states. #WeThePeople #JAN6 pic.twitter.com/iLtN3H2Snt
— Congressman Ted Budd (@RepTedBudd) January 6, 2021
I've been evacuated from the House floor. We are safe thanks to the brave men & women of the Capitol Hill Police. I remain resolved to uphold my oath to the Constitution & debate our disagreements. Violence is not acceptable & protesters should disperse peacefully immediately.
— Congressman Ted Budd (@RepTedBudd) January 6, 2021
Without question, I am committed to restoring the confidence of the American people in our elections and upholding the Constitutional principles that guide this great Republic.
Today, I will object to accepting electors from states that clearly violated the Constitution.
— Virginia Foxx (@virginiafoxx) January 6, 2021
Violence like what we're witnessing in the United States Capitol is unacceptable.
People have the right to peacefully protest, and there is absolutely no reason to resort to destruction.
God bless the brave men and women of the United States Capitol Police for protecting us.
— Virginia Foxx (@virginiafoxx) January 6, 2021
U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-10th, called the action of the extremists “unacceptable.”
The violence that we are witnessing at the United States Capitol is completely unacceptable. I am thankful to the brave men and women of the @CapitolPolice who are doing their duty and working diligently to keep everyone in the Capitol safe. God bless our law enforcement.
— Patrick McHenry (@PatrickMcHenry) January 6, 2021
Rep. Kathy Manning, D-6th, told constituents she was safe.
My staff and I are safe. We are sheltering in place.
More information to come.
— Congresswoman Kathy Manning (@RepKManning) January 6, 2021
Later, Manning released a statement, saying that the events of the day marked a dark day in America's history and would not deter Congress from carrying out its duty.
"Armed rioters, purposely incited by President Trump, stormed the Capitol, interrupting the certification of the Electoral College vote. Their actions required a frightening lock down of the House Chamber, with a harrowing evacuation of members and staff that could easily have resulted in injury or death," Manning said. “This attempted coup is an act of terrorism. Those responsible must be held accountable.
WFDD has requested interviews from media representatives with Foxx, Budd, and Manning.
U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis called the attack a national disgrace.
I proudly back the blue and support law and order, which is why I condemned the violence that took place in cities across the nation this summer. It's a national disgrace to have a mob attacking Capitol Police and engaging in anarchy. This is not what America stands for.
— Senator Thom Tillis (@SenThomTillis) January 6, 2021
U.S. Sen. Richard Burr released a statement Wednesday evening in support of Congress certifying the election results.
“Let me be clear: these actions are not a defense of this country, but an attack on it," Burr said. "I supported President Trump's legal right to contest the election results through the courts, but the courts have now unanimously and overwhelmingly rejected these suits. No evidence of voter fraud has emerged that would warrant overturning the 2020 election. The President bears responsibility for today's events by promoting the unfounded conspiracy theories that have led to this point. It is past time to accept the will of American voters and to allow our nation to move forward.
Editor's note: This story has been updated from an earlier version.