Council President M. Lorena González (Position 9, Citywide) released the following statement after Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol, causing Congress to recess and halt the vote of certification for the election of President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.:
“What is happening at our country’s Capitol threatens our Country’s democracy and President Trump has stoked this insurrection with his lies, rhetoric and open-season-attacks on our electoral process. We must not allow these acts to cancel our long-standing tradition of a peaceful transfer of power.
“It’s shameful that Trump supporters have disrupted Congress’ ability to certify the election results. These actions are the result of a desperate president trying to retain his power.
“It is time for our congressional leaders to uphold our democratic values by certifying this presidential election as soon as order is restored and honor their oath to defend the Constitution. As elected leaders, we all have a responsibility to continue to denounce dangerous rhetoric and work to move our country forward towards progress and healing.
“While this is a confusing and dark day for many in our nation, I call upon all elected leaders, from small cities to statewide seats, to stand firm in our democratic values, and to lead in the coming months in a way that brings our divided nation together. We can, and must, heal these deeply-seated wounds for our country to not only survive, but prosper in this new decade.”