From The Tribune staff reports
WASHINGTON — The day after mass chaos in Washington, D.C., United States Congressmen from Alabama are responding to what happened and talking about what they think needs to be done to gain the trust of the American people.
Representative Gary Palmer called the acts on Jan. 6, 2021, “violent demonstrations” and said there must be a response.
“As a strong defender of the First Amendment, I support the right to peacefully assemble,” Palmer said. “But what we witnessed on the Capitol grounds yesterday was far from a peaceful assembly, and the nation should have only one response to those activities. They must be strongly condemned.”
Palmer said the actions of a few people in the group caused the death of one person and injuries to multiple people.
“I commend the Capitol police for restoring peace and for their resolute and courageous efforts to protect the members of Congress and their staff, and everyone else who serves in the Capitol complex,” Palmer continued.
Palmer said violence and destruction are not the answer. He said the violence overshadowed important measures that need to be taken to regain the trust of Americans concerning the nation’s election process.
Newly-elected Senator Tommy Tuberville echoed that sentiment,
“Yesterday was a sad day for our great country,” said Tuberville. “I strongly condemn the violence and actions we saw from those who stormed the Capitol. It undermines the freedoms we enjoy as Americans, and it has no place in our democracy.”
Both Tuberville and Palmer said they plan to work on legislation to oversee the nation’s election process and ensure elections are conducted constitutionally.
“Moving forward, I will continue to be a voice for the people of Alabama regarding the security of our elections,” said Tuberville.
Senator Richard Shelby responded Wednesday Tweeting, “Today is a very dark day for our country. I am safe thanks to the protection and swift action by our law enforcement officials. Our Founding Fathers warned against mob rule. Law and order must be established and maintained.”
Rep. Terri Sewell took to Twitter with a video message ensuring the people that Congress will continue carrying out its constitutional duties.
“We are resilient as a people and as a nation,” Sewell said. “And we will do our jobs tonight by certifying the electoral college and on Jan. 20, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will be sworn in as the next President and Vice President of the United States.”
Sewell continued by saying the job of Congress is for the people.
“I pray that my colleagues will remember that our loyalty is not to a political party or to an individual, but to the Constitution and the oath that we swore to protect and defend our democracy,” said Sewell.
