CHICAGO — A horde of Trump supporters have stormed the Capitol in Washington, D.C., in an attempted coup.
Illinois lawmakers, who were in D.C. as part of their work and to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s victory over Donald Trump, were evacuated and have had to seek shelter. Many have already posted to Twitter and other social media sites, speaking out against the rioters and Trump.
“Looking out of my window, I don’t see protestors. I see Trump-inspired rioters,” Rep. Bobby Rush tweeted. “How were these lawbreakers allowed to shut down the US Congress? If they had been Black or Brown, there would be a far different portrayal.
“Media stop calling this a protest, this is a riot, clearly!”
At least one woman was shot and killed, according to national media, and photos and videos have shown Trump supporters looting the Capitol and stealing items from lawmakers’ offices.
Late Wednesday afternoon, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said in a statement he’s asked Illinois State Police to increase their presence to protect the state Capitol building in Springfield and called on Congress to impeach Trump immediately.
“As the heart of our democracy was under siege and blood was literally being spilled in our most sacred halls, Donald Trump was praising the attackers,” Pritzker said.
“There is no doubt in my mind that his efforts to encourage a coup represent high treason to this democracy, our Constitution and all Americans. He poses a danger to our nation. He must be impeached and removed from office immediately. And every person in a position of public trust, elected or otherwise, who enable the systematic dismantling of our democratic norms and failed to speak up or take action bears some responsibility for the culmination of four years of spreading bile.”
What Chicago’s representatives and Illinois’ senators have said:
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D)
Rep. Bobby Rush (D-1st)
Rep. Mike Quigley (D-5th)
Rep. Danny Davis (D-7th)
Rep. Chuy Garcia (D-4th)
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