'Stop The Violence NOW': Texas Lawmakers Urge Peace During US Capitol Chaos
Texans Tussle On Twitter: Beto O'Rourke, Sen. Ted Cruz Argue As Trump Supporters Storm US Capitol
WASHINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) - Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz, who is leading an effort to challenge President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College certification, called for peace after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed barricades and confronted police outside the Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6.
Sen. Cruz tweeted, "Those storming the Capitol need to stop NOW. 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."
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.
North Texas Republican Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne said, "To everyone storming the People's House: Stop the violence NOW. America is better than this."
To everyone storming the People's House: Stop the violence NOW.
— Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne (@RepBethVanDuyne) January 6, 2021
America is better than this.
Texas Congressman Michael McCaul tweeted, "The violence and destruction we are witnessing in the Capitol is an assault on our democracy... I like many people voted for President Trump in the 2020 election and hoped for a different result. But violence and destruction is not the way to express your grievances. This is disgraceful and has to end."
The violence and destruction we are witnessing in the Capitol is an assault on our democracy. pic.twitter.com/NVRHtmogqI
— Michael McCaul (@RepMcCaul) January 6, 2021
Texas Republican Congressman Dan Crenshaw said succinctly on Twitter, "Stop this bullsh*t right now."
Stop this bullshit right now.
— Dan Crenshaw (@DanCrenshawTX) January 6, 2021
Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, who was part of a pro-Trump rally in Washington, DC and filed a lawsuit to attempt to nullify election results on four swing states that voted for Joe Biden, tweeted, "I am sorely disappointed today in the certification of the election, but I don't believe violence is the answer. #ElectoralCollege #Elections2020"
I am sorely disappointed today in the certification of the election, but I don't believe violence is the answer. #ElectoralCollege #Elections2020
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) January 6, 2021
Paxton went on to say, "I call on protesters in our state and our nation's Capital to practice their constitutional right in a peaceful manner. I stand for election integrity and the democratic process. I will not tolerate violence and civil disorder."
The Texas GOP tweeted, "The Texas GOP supports the rights of all to freely assemble and redress grievances. However, we do condemn violence and pray for all in our nation's capital."
The Texas GOP supports the rights of all to freely assemble and redress grievances. However, we do condemn violence and pray for all in our nation's capital.
— Texas GOP (@TexasGOP) January 6, 2021
READ LATEST ON U.S. CAPITOL CLASH HERE
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott released said in a statement Wednesday, "Peaceful protest is a core tenant of the United States Constitution; violence and mayhem are not. The violence and mayhem must stop. America is founded on the rule of law, and the law enforcement officers working to restore order at the United States Capitol must be heeded."
North Texas Democratic Congressman Colin Allred released the following statement:
"I want to extend my deepest gratitude to those who put themselves at risk to protect myself, my colleagues, and our staff in this terrifying situation. Today's events are treasonous and seditious and cannot be described in any other manner.
"For weeks the President and his allies in Congress have peddled disinformation and refused to accept the results of a legitimate election. What we are seeing today is a culmination of those dangerous actions to subvert our democracy and disregard our rule of law.
"This is not American, this is not who we are. Rioting, violence, and destruction have no place in our society and we must hold those responsible for today's actions accountable.
"For the safety of all Americans, our democracy, and the future prosperity of our nation, President Trump and his allies in Congress must accept the results of the presidential election and move forward with a peaceful transfer of power. "
North Texas Republican Congressman Pat Fallon released the following statement after protesters forced their way into the U.S. Capitol and interrupted the electoral vote count:
"As a strong supporter of our nation's police forces, I sincerely thank the U.S. Capitol Police for their bravery and valor in keeping Members and staff safe. Violence and destruction have no place in the United States' electoral process and I unequivocally reject the actions taken today at the Capitol.
"While accountability and transparency in our electoral system is of paramount concern, I do not believe the actions taken today by a select few reflect the spirit of our great nation and I urge all involved to stand down immediately."
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