TEXARKANA - Local officials and representatives to the Arkansas and Texas state legislatures reacted Thursday to the storming of the U.S. Capitol by a group of supporters of President Donald Trump on Wednesday.
Those who responded to requests for comment condemned violence and called for a renewed commitment to American ideals and unity. Their statements follow.
Mayor Bob Bruggeman, Texarkana, Texas
"Watching the storming of the U.S. Capitol yesterday was very disturbing and disappointing. Our country was established on laws and principles. Citizens should be allowed to protest for their causes in a peaceful and respectful manner. Those who revert to damaging and destroying public or private property, and put the lives of citizens and first responders in danger, are not protestors, they are criminals, and should be dealt within the full extent of the law."
Rep. Gary VanDeaver, Texas House District 1
"Like many of you yesterday, I watched in utter disbelief as the scenes of chaos and violence unfolded at the United States Capitol were broadcast across this country and the world showing a breakdown of our traditional peaceful transition of power. This violence and attack on our democracy is totally unacceptable, and it must end.
"Do we become a country of anarchists like those in third-world countries that we so often condemn and sometimes send in our troops to help quell their violence? Or, do we take a path like the example given by former President Ronald Reagan describing America in his farewell address to the country in January 1989 of a 'shining city upon a hill'?
"I hope and pray that we recommit ourselves to working hard to see the best in those we may disagree with and acknowledge that they too are Americans with the same right to live in the 'land of the free.' Democracy is not easy, but it is worth the work it takes to preserve it."
Rep. Carol Dalby, Arkansas House District 1
"I am saddened by the violent events in Washington, D.C. and the storming of our nation's Capitol. The utter disrespect for what our Capitol stands for - a beacon of freedom, hope, and light not only to our nation but to the world - is beyond my comprehension. I think back to my late father and to all who served with him in World War II and I know he would be heartbroken to witness what we witnessed on Wednesday. There is no place in our democracy where violence is encouraged, condoned, and/or carried out. Now is the time for each of us to rededicate ourselves to the ideas upon which our country and our constitution were founded, to uphold the rule of law, and to once again be that beacon of hope and democracy.
Chairperson Diana Lowe, Miller County, Arkansas, Republican Committee
"The Miller County Republican Committee condemns the actions of those individuals in Washington who chose violence and lawlessness. Those individuals who assaulted law enforcement and damaged capital property do not represent our committee views, values, or beliefs."