WASHINGTON — Following a day of chaotic protests and violence at the United States Capitol, several Texas lawmakers have been anything but silent during this unprecedented event.
Several members of Congress are calling for an end to the disruption. Sen. Ted Cruz, who earlier today led the charge in the Senate to object to Biden’s victory, tweeted to protesters to bring an end to the violence.
Those storming the Capitol need to stop NOW.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) January 6, 2021
The Constitution protects peaceful protest, but violence—from Left or Right— is ALWAYS wrong.
And those engaged in violence are hurting the cause they say they support.
Rep. Michael McCaul has not only called for an end to the violence, but said those who stormed the Capitol should be arrested and prosecuted.
Let me be clear, anyone who breached the Capitol today, or participated in the violence, should be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
— Michael McCaul (@RepMcCaul) January 6, 2021
Rep. Chip Roy stated that the chaos will not deter him from doing his constitutional duty.
We will reconvene. We will vote to accept the electors from the states, as instructed by the Constitution. That is our job. #StandUpForAmerica https://t.co/j2YfQV9KDl
— Chip Roy (@chiproytx) January 6, 2021
Rep. Lloyd Doggett said the events of today is "the natural outcome of Trump feeding his supporters a steady diet of lies."
We will overcome Trump and his Republican enablers, who would trade democracy for autocracy. But they have done lasting damage to our civic fabric and to America’s world standing.
— Lloyd Doggett (@RepLloydDoggett) January 6, 2021
Rep. Joaquin Castro tweeted that he is safe and accused the president of "inciting a coup." Both Joaquin Castro and his brother, Julian Castro, are calling on Sen. Ted Cruz to resign.
I’m safe and sheltering in place. Thank you to folks reaching out.
— Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) January 6, 2021
The President of the United States incited a coup attempt.
It’s a dark day in America — but peace, democracy, and the rule of law will prevail.
.@tedcruz should resign from the United States Senate immediately. https://t.co/O1D5K6Gt0k
— Julián Castro (@JulianCastro) January 6, 2021
Outgoing Rep. Will Hurd also condemned the violence at the Capitol Wednesday.
This isn’t a peaceful protest. This is an attack on our democracy and domestic terrorism to try to stop certifying elections. This should be treated as a coup led by a president that will not be peacefully removed from power.
— Rep. Will Hurd (@HurdOnTheHill) January 6, 2021
Several state officials have also weighed in, including outgoing Speaker of the Texas House of Representative Dennis Bonnen, calling today “A sad day in our history.”
If you approve of, applaud, or encourage the grotesque demonstrations of hate and destruction being inflicted upon the Capitol of the United States America, you don’t deserve to carry the flag and call yourself a patriot. It is a sad day in our history.
— Speaker Dennis Bonnen (@RepDennisBonnen) January 6, 2021