Menendez on chaos at Capitol: This ‘goes against every value we pledge to uphold as a nation’

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U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) is one of many federal lawmakers speaking out against chaotic protests at the U.S. Capitol that led to the Senate being evacuated.

Photo via CBS News.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

“My staff and I are safe and following guidance from Capitol Police,” he tweeted at the top of the hour.

“The scene in the Capitol goes against every value we pledge to uphold as a nation. Democracy will prevail.”

Supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump (R) have vowed to protest the electoral certification due to a widespread belief that Joe Biden (D) won the election due to fraudulent ballots – a claim Trump’s team failed to prove in court.

While the electoral count, typically a brief and mostly ceremonial event, began as planned, it has been suspended since about 3 p.m. after a woman was shot – now in critical condition – and the Senate had been breached by protesters, The Washington Post reported.

At 3:13 p.m., Trump urged for peaceful protests on Twitter, which was followed with a similar sentiment from Vice President Mike Pence (R) with a 3:35 p.m. tweet.

“I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!,” Trump wrote.

“The violence and destruction taking place at the US Capitol Must Stop and it Must Stop Now. Anyone involved must respect Law Enforcement officers and immediately leave the building,” said Pence, who indicated that those involved with violence will be “prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Just after 3:30 p.m., MSNBC reported that Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam is sending members of their National Guard and state troopers to D.C.

On the local level, Hudson County Democrats were quick to condemn the violent acts in D.C. and asked people to hold Trump accountable.

“1) Praying for everyone’s safety in DC. 2) This assault on our democracy is a national disgrace. 3) Donald Trump should be impeached and removed from the presidency as soon as the capitol is secure,” wrote Jersey City Ward E Councilman James Solomon.

“Sickening & disgraceful what is happening at the Capitol right now. This is open sedition and people should be held accountable, starting with @realDonaldTrump,” Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla said on Twitter minutes ago.

Additionally, newly sworn in Jersey City Board of Education President Mussab Ali tweeted that Trump “incited this riot. With all his dog whistles and coded language it was always meant to come down to violence if he didn’t get his way.”

Ali also called this a “truly a embarrassing day to be an American where we claim to protect democracy from threats around the world.”


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