The Congressional Black Caucus Institute condemns the violence, disregard for the rule of law, and the lack of basic civility that endangered the lives of elected United States officials, their staff, and others who conduct important business in the esteemed halls of Congress.
We are saddened by the loss of life, and we pray for those charged with keeping the public safe and preserving our nation's greatest institutions. Yesterday's events were a blatant assault on democracy and must be condemned by all, and must NEVER be allowed to happen again.
We implore officials to demand that a full review be conducted to assess how such a breach occurred, which allowed for a full invasion of the U.S. Capitol Building. CBCI Executive Director, Vanessa Griddine-Jones, was present on Capitol Hill in her office during the attack. She said there was an air of panic and uncertainty that was reminiscent of the 9/11 attacks.
We applaud our great leaders who were not deterred by these acts of lawlessness, and returned to finish conducting the day's business. While the traumatic events shook many, our elected officials stood resolute, refusing to cower from fear.
It is time for every American to stand for what is right. We must remember that we are one nation, and we must oppose those who seek to widen rifts and create division. Griddine-Jones says, "We MUST not forget that the preamble of the Constitution begins with these words: 'We the People of the United States of America, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common Defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity'....'"
CBCI remains committed in these turbulent times to "educating today's voters and training tomorrow's leaders.”
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