Congressional Black Associates Statement Condemning Assault on United States Capitol
Jan 7th, 2021
Contact:
Maya Valentine (CBA Communications Director)
Gabrielle Howard
gabrielle.howard@mail.house.gov
Cassie Baloue (CBA Press Secretary)
Washington DC- Today, the Congressional Black Associates released the following statement on the assault that took place on our Capitol building yesterday:
“January 6th, 2021, will indelibly be remembered as one of the darkest and most dishonorable days in our nation’s history. We are mortified by the brazen assault on our sacred Capitol building that took place yesterday and do not hesitate to call it what it is: an act of domestic terrorism. We watched in disbelief as violent anarchists overpowered law enforcement and effortlessly broke into our Capitol building as members of Congress gathered to conduct the constitutional ceremony of certifying the 2020 election.
“First and foremost, we express deep and overwhelming gratitude to the Members and staff who held strong in the Capitol complex. Legislators and staffers who are dedicated to serving our democracy were forced into lockdown, many fearing for their lives and wellbeing.
“Second, we call for an immediate and thorough investigation into the systemic failure of security by the U.S. Capitol Police and other agencies to protect the building where many of us work and proudly serve. It is appalling that the security yesterday did not appear as prepared to defend our Capitol as they did when thousands marched to protect Black lives against police brutality. As congressional staffers who have to undergo security screening daily, watching protestors outnumber and outmaneuver police officers was deeply disturbing and caused concerns for the nature of our safety in our work environment going forward.
“Third, we call on lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, to not only condemn those involved in yesterday’s events, but more critically, to go beyond that; to put aside political differences and prioritize the healing of our nation’s deep and poisonous divisions. Our greatest strength lies in our unity, our solidarity, and the truth that we are all fundamentally Americans.
“Every day we walk the fine halls of Congress, blessed to work in a place of beauty, history, and influence. It was heartbreaking to watch so many vandalize, violate, and smear the building we love and admire, where public servants have devoted their lives to make our country better than it was yesterday. It was equally as distressing to not know if our bosses, colleagues, and friends were safe. Yesterday was a dark day. However, we must strive forward, united, and committed to sealing the divisions that were on proud display. We must take the right steps to prevent our democracy from falling to a coup.
“We thank the U.S. Capitol employees for cleaning up and repairing the building and ensuring we can show up every day and are praying for the mental wellbeing of our dear members of Congress, staff, and every person in America processing this challenging time.”