Getty U.S. President Donald Trump gives a thumbs up as he departs on the South Lawn of the White House, on December 12, 2020.
The Jewish Council for Public Affairs, an organization that represents 125 local Jewish councils and 17 national Jewish agencies and advocates for a just U.S., peace and security in Israel and global human rights, has condemned the violence on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday afternoon.
Jewish Council For Public Affairs Condemns Capitol Building Violence, President Trump: “This was a direct assault on our democratic process, and nothing less than an attempt to disrupt the peaceful transition of power in a presidential election and an act of sedition.”
“JCPA strongly condemns the violent insurrection at the United States Capitol Building,” the JCPA shared said in a press release. The statement continued:
This was a direct assault on our democratic process, and nothing less than an attempt to disrupt the peaceful transition of power in a presidential election and an act of sedition.
We urge in the strongest possible terms that President Trump and others immediately cease incendiary rhetoric and restore order. We urge members of Congress and other responsible elected officials to speak out against the violence and immediately cease all questioning the legitimacy of the election. Those who have broken the law must be held accountable for their actions. We thank Capitol Police and law enforcement for putting themselves in harm’s way and keeping our elected officials and their staff safe.
We urge Americans to stand together against politically motivated violence and for our democracy.”
Donald Trump Called on Mike Pence to ‘Stand Up for the Good of Our Constitution’
The violence on Capitol Hill happened after President Donald Trump‘s “Save America March” just outside the White House on January 6. During the rally, he again falsely claimed the 2020 presidential election was stolen and called on Congress not to certify Joe Biden‘s Electoral College victory.
While speaking, Trump admonished Republicans Mitch McConnell, Mitt Romney, Liz Cheney and Bill Barr, as well as the Supreme Court, for not overturning his election loss.
“They’re weak Republicans, they’re pathetic Republicans,” said Trump.
“If they don’t fight, we have to primary the hell out of the ones that don’t fight. … We’re gonna let you know who they are.”
Trump also addressed Vice President Mike Pence. “Mike Pence, I hope you’re gonna stand up for the good of our Constitution and for the good of our country,” he said.
“And if you’re not, I’m going to be very disappointed in you, I will tell you right now. I’m not hearing good stories.”
Pence Said He Would Uphold the Constitution & Called for Those Involved in Violence to Leave the Capitol
In a three-page statement, Pence made it known that he would follow the Constitution, not the commander in chief, no matter the political repercussions. “Some believe that as Vice President, I should be able to accept or reject electoral votes unilaterally. Others believe that electoral votes should never be challenged in a Joint Session of Congress,” he wrote. “After careful study of our Constitution, our laws, and our history, I believe neither view is correct.”
His statement continued:
It is my considered judgment that my oath to support and defend the Constitution constrains me from claiming unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not. …
… As presiding officer, I will ensure that any objections that are sponsored by both a Representative and a Senator are given proper consideration, and that all facts supporting those objections are brought before the Congress and the American people. …
… Today it will be my duty to preside when the Congress convenes in Joint Session to count the votes of the Electoral College, and I will do so to the best of my ability.
Pence later took to Twitter to address the violence on Capitol Hill. “The violence and destruction taking place at the US Capitol Must Stop and it Must Stop Now,” Pence tweeted. “Anyone involved must respect Law Enforcement officers and immediately leave the building.”
Peaceful protest is the right of every American but this attack on our Capitol will not be tolerated and those involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
New Jersey Senator Cory Booker responded to the violence, tweeting: “Donald Trump is being aided and abetted by a group of Republican House and Senate members. This is on them, as well. We must rise from this nadir of shame. We must repair our democracy. We must heal our nation.”
Twitter removed three tweets from Trump Wednesday evening in which he repeated claims of voter fraud.
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