U.S. Rep Annie Kuster

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement on the violent mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol:

“Today is a dark day in the history of our nation. Armed, violent mobs, incited by President Donald Trump and his allies in Congress, breached the United States Capitol, threatening the safety and wellbeing of Capitol Police, Members of Congress and staff. This disruption of the peaceful transfer of power, our nation’s most sacred tradition, is an affront not only to our values as Americans but to our very constitutional democracy. Let me be clear, my colleagues and I, Republicans and Democrats, want our democracy to prevail and it will. I’m encouraged that the Democratic and Republican Caucus Chairs, Representatives Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and Liz Cheney (R-WY), have said that as soon as the Capitol is cleared we will continue our constitutional duty of certifying the results of the 2020 presidential election.”

“Today’s lawless actions did not have to happen and resulted in numerous injuries. The President has fanned the flames of violence for months. This is unacceptable, it is un-American, and it has no place in our nation. Those involved in this violent mob should be held to account and be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Congresswoman Kuster was in the balcony of the House chambers as the results of the 2020 presidential elections were being certified as the chamber was breached.

“There was a commotion outside of the House chamber and Speaker Pelosi, House Majority Leader Hoyer and House Majority Whip Clyburn were quickly ushered out of the chamber. My House colleagues and I who were in the balcony were instructed by Capitol Police to put on gas masks. We crouched behind the balcony wall and then scrambled through the rows of seats and under the railings all the way to the far corner of the chamber. I saw floor staff moving a large couch in front of the door. We were shepherded out of the chamber to an undisclosed location and then moved to a second location following that. These are not peaceful protests, this was a violent mob. I want to express my deep appreciation to the United States Capitol Police for their work to protect us, our staff and the U.S. Capitol.”

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