Local Political Leaders Respond to Attempted D.C. Insurrection

On Wednesday afternoon, supporters of president Trump stormed the Capitol Building at Washington D.C. What was once unthinkable was now unfolding in real-time at our nation's capital. Trump's incitement of violence spurred his supporters to overcome police barricades and illegally enter the Capitol Building. 

This took place on the day Congress was to certify the electoral college results in favor of President-elect Joseph Biden. 

One woman was shot and later died in the riot. 

All lawmakers were protected from members of the mob, and were later securely moved to Fort Mcnair Army Base. 

On this day as well, results from Georgia's runoff election saw wins for both Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, giving Democrats a majority in the U.S. Senate.

"I am heartsick," said Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper. "Having served in our beautiful #CapitolBuilding, knowing the dedicated staff who love their work there, seeing such disrespect and dangerous actions, I ask for prayers from all for our country and those who serve it."

"Today, President Trump's supporters attempted a coup," stated Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf. "This was the direct result of a deliberate disinformation campaign by Republicans from the President down to legislators in Pennsylvania. They lied about the results of the election. They lied about voter fraud. They lied about my administration and other governors. They lied about the administration of the election here in Pennsylvania and across the country. On November 3, we had a remarkably well-run election despite historic challenges."

"How many of the 8 Pennsylvania Congressional members will *still* continue to smear our Commonwealth's election results as fraudulent now that their own supporters chased them from the House?" asked Lt. Governor John Fetterman, who himself was the target of Republican malfeasance at the hands of the Pennsylvania State Senate the day prior.

"What made America great for over 200 years was the peaceful transfer of power in the US. That proud and honorable history was obliterated today," said PA State Representative Bob Merski. "Make no mistake about it; this is an attempted coup to usurp democracy through violence. It is un-American.

A sad day for America."