Governors from both parties spoke out against Wednesday’s riot that unfolded on Capitol Hill as lawmakers met in a joint session of Congress to certify the electoral votes from November’s presidential election.
Pro-Trump demonstrators breached security and raided the Capitol, forcing lawmakers to evacuate the building under police protection. One person died from a gunshot wound.
The violent protests were condemned by state officials across the country and political spectrum.
“I never thought I’d see a day like this in America,” said Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R), who sent 200 state troopers and mobilized 500 National Guard troops to “help restore law and order” in neighboring D.C.
“This is a heinous and violent assault on the heart of our democracy,” Hogan said in a video message posted to Twitter. “They’re threatening the lives of Congress and the Vice President for upholding the Constitution and affirming the voters’ choice of Joe Biden as our next President.”
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D), whose state was a target of unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud by the Trump campaign, said the riot was “the direct result of a deliberate disinformation campaign by Republicans from the President down to legislators in Pennsylvania.”
“It is past time for Republicans to stop lying and tell their supporters the truth,” Wolf said in a statement. “President Trump lost. The election was fair. President Trump received fewer votes. That’s it.”
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) called Wednesday’s actions a “failed attempt at a coup.”
“We won’t let President Trump, the members of Congress who enable him, or the lawless mob that stormed our nation’s Capitol steal our democracy.”
Vermont Gov. Phil Scott (R) went a step further, calling for Trump to resign or be removed from office before his term ends on Jan. 20.
“The fabric of our democracy and the principles of our republic are under attack by the President. Enough is enough,” Scott tweeted. “President Trump should resign or be removed from office by his Cabinet, or by the Congress.”
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) also called for Trump’s removal.
“There is no doubt in my mind that his efforts to encourage a coup represent high treason to this democracy, our Constitution and all Americans. He poses a danger to our nation. He must be impeached and removed from office immediately,” Pritzker said in a statement.
Even some of the president’s staunchest allies condemned the riot, though they stopped short of tying Trump to the melee.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said the rioters should “face the full weight of the law.”
“Violence or rioting of any kind is unacceptable and the perpetrators must face the full weight of the law. The Capitol Police do an admirable job and I thank them for their hard work.”
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) also slammed the riot as “an embarrassment to our country.”
“The stopping of the count of the Electoral College votes has occurred because the security of the U.S. Capitol has been breached by a violent mob. As a nation of laws, this is simply not acceptable. Lawlessness is not acceptable.”
The violence in D.C. coincided with similar actions at state capitals across the country, with Trump supporters protesting the results of the Nov. 3 election.
Trump has refused to concede the race to Biden, and continues to claim without evidence that he won the election.
Despite Wednesday’s violence on Capitol Hill, members of Congress said they will continue to tally and record the Electoral College votes that show Biden won with 306 electoral votes to Trump’s 232.
Updated at 7:08 p.m.