2:05 P.M.
The Washington State Democrats released a statement calling Wednesday’s breach on the U.S. Capitol a dark day for America.
In the statement, the organization said they are hoping for the safety of everyone in the Capitol.
The Washington State Democrats state that they believe this is not new to the Republican Party under President Donald Trump. They said this is the culmination of President Trump’s rhetoric.
Read the full statement here:
“Every member of our delegation who we have been able to reach are safe, as are their staff. We are hoping for the safety of everyone in the Capitol, including the staff and Capitol police who are working to provide security for those who were peacefully gathered to certify the results of this democratic election.Speaker Pelosi and soon-to-be Majority Leader Schumer are calling for Trump to demand his people leave peacefully, and we echo their call for a return to peaceful order in DC.This is not new to the Republican Party under Trump, either here in Washington State or nationally. This is the culmination of four years of his dangerous, anti-democratic rhetoric. We’ve seen repeated instances of the embrace of this kind of extremist violence among the WA GOP, who have failed time and time again to condemn that behavior.This is a dark day for our republic, but there is a new dawn ahead for our nation. With Democrats in control of the Senate after last night’s victories in Georgia and President-elect Joe Biden set to take office in two weeks, Americans can rest assured that this unacceptable behavior will not be forgotten and those responsible will surely be held accountable.”
1:45 P.M.
According to a spokesperson from the office of Senator Maria Cantwell, Senator Cantwell and her staff are safe.
12:50 P.M.
Due to tense protests at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. Boo Radley’s is closing their door on Wednesday.
In a Facebook post, they write, “we don’t feel comfortable doing business on a day where our nation’s capitol is occupied and under siege. Stay safe out there friends. Be kind.”
12:35 P.M.
During the protest drive through downtown, Matt Shea posting another Facebook live claiming Facebook is surprising his content.
“Patriots are rising up all over the country,” Shea said.
In the video, Shea is joined by his supporter Caleb Collier.
The two say the protest is about fighting for liberty because “any government that is elected by fraud is an illegitimate government.”
12:25 P.M.
Dozens of people gathered in their cars for the Spokane ‘Stop the Steal’ rally that started at the Spokane Arena Wednesday afternoon, including former Spokane Valley Rep. Matt Shea.
In a live stream, Shea said, “Mike Pence sold out.”
Protestors will be driving around downtown Spokane on Wednesday, followed by a march to city hall.
“Keep up the fight!” Shea wrote.
1:00pm
Spokesman-Review reporter Kip Hill has spoken to Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich for his response to the violence in Washington D.C.
1:40pm
Chairwoman of the Idaho Democratic Party Van Beechler has released a statement on the protests at the nation’s capital:
“Because our Republican leaders in Washington have encouraged and refused to stand up to President Trump’s deliberate attack on the Constitution and the legitimacy of our elections, they are responsible for the unrest that is occurring. Congressman Russ Fulcher, Congressman Mike Simpson, Senator Jim Risch and Senator Mike Crapo all share responsibility for today’s events, along with every Republican official who chose to prioritize political power over preserving our democracy.
We hope Idahoans will stay safe and remain peaceful during this time, and that state officials are prepared to keep our legislators safe as we approach the legislative session.”