How to resolve AdBlock issue? Lake County News confirmed with the offices of Congressman John Garamendi (CA-03) and Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-05) that the two men and their respective staffs were safe and sheltering in place Wednesday afternoon following the implementation of the lockdown.
Separately, Thompson posted on social media, “I am currently sheltering in place in the Capitol at a secure location. I will give more updates. This is a very sad day for democracy.”
Garamendi later tweeted, “This is a blatant attack on American democracy. We will have a transfer of power on January 20th, and Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will become President and Vice President on that day.”
He added, “American democracy has survived over 200 years, and it will survive Donald Trump.”
The two men were sworn in to their newest terms in the 117th Congress on Sunday.
On Wednesday, Congress was scheduled to certify the Electoral College’s vote in the presidential election when protesters stormed the building, leading to its evacuation.
Lake County’s member of the California Senate, Sen. Mike McGuire, said Wednesday, “What’s currently happening in the US Capitol is a terrorist act. Lives are in danger. Stoked by the President. All Americans should be horrified and angered by these seditious acts. This is not who we are as a nation. Violence has no place in our democracy.”
State Sen. Bill Dodd of Napa, who formerly represented Lake County in the California Assembly, said, “This chaos at the U.S. Capitol is a result of Donald Trump’s unconscionable rhetoric and efforts to undermine our democracy,” said Sen. Dodd said. “It is an unprecedented attack on American values, our representatives and our fair election process. It simply cannot be allowed to stand.”
On Wednesday afternoon, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) issued a joint statement aimed at President Donald Trump.
“We are calling on President Trump to demand that all protesters leave the U.S. Capitol and Capitol grounds immediately,” Pelosi and Schumer said.
That was followed within an hour by a statement from Gov. Gavin Newsom, who said, “Peaceful protest is an important mechanism of our democracy but what we are witnessing in our nation's Capitol building is reprehensible and an outright assault to our democracy and Democratic institutions.
“The people of California have spoken, and our congressional delegation should never have to fear for their lives to represent Californians. We are concerned for the safety of California’s congressional delegation and U.S. Capitol staff, and are reaching out to offer support in every way possible,” Newsom said.
He added, “President Trump must call for an end to this escalating situation, acknowledge the will of the people to bring President-Elect Biden to the White House and move immediately to a peaceful transition of power."
Trump later issued a one-minute video on Twitter telling protesters to go home but still maintaining that the election was stolen from him.
President-elect Joe Biden said Wednesday, “America is so much better than what we’re seeing today.”
He added, “Our way is plain: It is the way of democracy — of lawfulness, and of respect — respect for each other, and for our nation.”
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