Washington, D.C. January 8, 2021 The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL)
NBCSL Members joined our constituents around the nation and friends around the world in mourning the loss of life, bodily injury, and destruction of property as seditionists stormed the United States Capitol grounds. Our hearts grew heavy as we waited for what seemed like an eternity for law and order to be restored. The uncertainty regarding the safety and security of our former colleagues who now serve in Congress was unnerving; as was the interruption of the peaceful transfer of power as delineated by the United States Constitution. Condemnation of these horrific and treasonous acts is insufficient unless accompanied by the demand for answers as to why our nation’s sacred Capitol was so easily overrun by domestic terrorists, said Georgia State Representative Billy Mitchell, NBCSL President
Television footage of the attack on the United States Capitol lays bare a dichotomy in policing that this nation must recon with if we truly desire racial reconciliation. We demand to know why yesterdays’ well announced and known event was not policed in the same manner as recent social justice demonstrations. We demand to know why these seditionists were able to force their way to the very Chambers occupied by our Vice-President and Members of Congress. We demand to know what the federal government will do to ensure these seditionists and their leaders are prevented from further harming our legislative branch and our republic.
As lawmakers, we have the duty and responsibility to speak truth to power, ask tough questions, and demand accountability. Our Membership stands ready to work with our federal partners to find the answers folks need to know, and prevent any future threat to our democracy, said NBCSL President Mitchell.
Click here for a copy of the statement.
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